Young Philanthropists 2024/2025 Year in Review
What does it mean to give back? Our first-ever Young Philanthropists (YP) group spent the 2024–2025 school year exploring that question. Along the way, they learned that philanthropy is about more than donations; it is about compassion, teamwork, and action to strengthen our community.
Launched in November 2024 with 27 students from 10 Waukesha County schools, the YP program gave participants the chance to complete service projects, volunteer activities, financial literacy education, fundraising, and grantmaking. They built friendships, developed leadership skills, and found their own voices as changemakers.
Service in Action with Blessings in a Backpack
One of the most memorable activities was the “Race to Feed” with Blessings in a Backpack. Eight high school teams worked side by side to pack 10,000 bags of food for children in Waukesha County. Their teamwork ensured 10,000 hunger-free weekends for kids who might otherwise go without.
Financial Skills for Philanthropy
The group also learned practical financial skills thanks to Jade Hendricks-Bolen of MLG Capital. Her workshop, The Giving Budget, introduced students to budgeting, values-based spending, and the importance of planning philanthropy. These lessons shaped the capstone projects that followed.
Youth-Led Projects with Real-Life Impact
The capstone project gave each Young Philanthropist $150 to invest in a cause they cared about. Many raised even more by teaming up, selling handmade items, or rallying classmates. Together, the YP members raised more than $6,000 for local nonprofits. Highlights included:
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Mallory and Kate (Brookfield East): Teamed up with 47 classmates to raise $54,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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Carlie (Pewaukee High School): Created 20 self-care kits for women served by The Women’s Center, raising $400 to fund them.
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Savannah (Arrowhead High School): Sold handmade bracelets to raise $1,050 for NAMI Southeast Wisconsin, supporting mental health resources.
In addition to individual projects, the Young Philanthropists organized collective fundraisers. In March, MOD Pizza hosted the group’s first event, donating 25% of proceeds to WGF. The group was able to donate $200 to the Women’s Center thanks to this event!
What Comes Next
The success of this first year makes one thing clear: philanthropy has no age limit. These students proved that with support and guidance, young leaders can create measurable change in their communities. Their compassion and creativity set a strong foundation for the future of this program.
A new group of Young Philanthropists will start up this fall! If you know a student ready to learn, lead, and give back, encourage them to join the next group of YP participants. Be the first to know about sign-ups by joining our email list. Together, we can continue to acknowledge, celebrate, and elevate women and girls in Waukesha County.
