YOUNG PHILANTHROPY GROUP

Anyone can be a philanthropist!

In 2024, we launched the Young Philanthropy Group, a new initiative open to high school students who are eager to be active, philanthropic members of their community. Each school year, the Young Philanthropists (YP) complete service and volunteer projects, financial literacy education, fundraising, and more to better understand how individuals of any age or background can make a difference in their community.

What is the Young Philanthropy Group?

The Young Philanthropy Group introduces high school students to philanthropy through hands-on experiences throughout the school year. YPs explore different ways to give back, including service projects, volunteering, fundraising, and learning how nonprofits operate.

Time, learning, and service all play a role in strengthening the community, and the Young Philanthropists take on a variety of these tasks to impact their community in a meaningful way from a young age.

What do the Young Philanthropists do?

Each year looks a little different in terms of specific volunteer opportunities, and many of our YPs return for all of their high school years. During that time, YPs gain experience in leadership and community service. Here’s a small snapshot of what they do each year:

Service Projects

Hands-on projects that address a specific community need, completed as a group.

Volunteering

Giving their time and energy to support local nonprofits benefitting women and girls.

Fundraising

Working together to raise money for causes that matter to them.

Financial Literacy Training

Building an understanding of personal finance that can be used for thoughtful giving and also in their lives.

Awareness of Local Issues

Leaning from local nonprofit leaders about the needs facing women and girls in our community.

Girl Powered-Giving

Each year, one of the Young Philanthropy Group’s most exciting opportunities is awarding a significant grant through the Girl-Powered Giving Fund. After learning about local needs and organizations, YPs discuss community needs, weigh the options, and decide collectively where their support should go. This experience shows YPs that philanthropy is not something they have to wait to do when they’re older, but their voices and leadership are making a difference today.

“This experience showed us that philanthropy isn’t just about giving money, it’s about listening, learning, and working together to support our community. This process gave us a voice, and it showed us that even as students, we can make a real difference in our community.”

– Hannah, Young Philanthropist 2025/2026

YP’s Capstone Projects

Their school year of work culminates in a capstone project, putting their ideas about giving back into action. Each student chooses a cause they care about, research local nonprofits serving Waukesha County, and use a WGF stipend to support that charity in a meaningful way. Some team up to expand their impact, while others get creative by selling homemade items, collecting donations, or raising additional funds with the help of family and friends.

In 2025, the YPs donated over $6,000 through their capstone projects to local nonprofit organizations!

Interested in Joining?

The YP group meets once a month throughout the school year, from September to June. If you’re interested in participating, sign up below to get more information.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Nicole Wagner at nicole@womengirlsfund.org or 262-955-1765.