Giving is considered a desire to help others. As WCF continues to strive to connect needs with inspired givers, the question has arisen at Board meetings, “what inspires each of us to give and how do we teach this to others?”.

In an effort to promote and teach wise giving, WCF created its Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) program in 2003. The focus of this program is to engage and involve youth in activities that build community, civic awareness and philanthropic understanding.

To develop and enhance the innate need to help others, this program allows students to review and evaluate grant applications based on established guidelines in their class environment and has proven to be an exciting, multi-faceted learning activity.

The YiP program has been inspiring students by letting them make a difference by helping others. The students reflect and learn more about the needs of their community and their own philanthropic values by engaging in this giving process.

For 2008, two classes were given $2,000 each to grant. Grant awards by Cheri Tuxten’s 3rd grade class at Jefferson Elementary School included:

Developmental Achievement Center ($550) for a giant mouse, touch screen & large print keyboards to make it easier for people with disabilities to use computers. This helps them send email, plays games and learn more about the world around them.

Home & Community Option ($700) to help purchase playground equipment at Family Resource Home by Lake Park. A small rock climbing wall along with other playground items will help the children’s hand-eye coordination and the third grand students thought it might make their arms and legs stronger. They felt this will offer a chance for kids with disabilities get some exercise and have a little fun.

Winona Volunteer Services ($750) to purchase fifty turkeys to help with a program to give away turkeys to the people who use the food shelf and who complete the Earn-A-Turkey (EAT) classes through Winona Volunteer Services. They used to make sure everyone using the food shelf had a turkey for Thanksgiving but the number of people using the food shelf kept growing and the cost of turkeys kept rising so WVS could not afford to do that anymore. This system helps WVS tie the nutrition education classes directly to the food shelf clients and to help them eat better and live healthier.

Grant awards by Jason Barker’s 7th grade class at Riverway Middle School included:

Down & Dirty Bike Club ($580) to purchase computer and software to help keep better and more information on lists of memberships, volunteer hours, bills and donations. The bike club would be able to do the as well as raise funds more efficiently and have the ability to make a new brochure and fliers for events. Their mission is to provide access for everyone to bicycle transportation and maintenance and have fun doing this.

Ready Set School ($750) to help assist all the children in the county to get a good start with school year and have all the supplies that they need to learn the best they can.

Winona Senior Advocacy Program ($335) to purchase File for Life - information packets that are designed to contain up-to-date medical information and emergency contacts, which can be placed on refrigerators or carried in wallets.

Winona Youth Hockey Association ($335) to purchase hockey equipment for the Youth Scholarship program. Provide equipment for players who cannot afford to buy new equipment. It is important that players have good equipment that fits properly so they are protected when playing. Winona Hockey Association teaches players how to play safe, fast and have fun. The Association is making a difference with children.