Student program teaches philanthropy
Organizations in Albany County can apply for grants up to $2,500
Bishop Maginn High School’s Youth Philanthropy Council said grant applications are being accepted for nonprofit organizations in Albany County. Applicants can request up to $2,500 for projects that focus on health, arts, poverty relief and education.
A grant of just under $7,500 from the Diocese of Albany’s Higher Power Learning program was used to establish the council earlier in the 2021-22 school year.
The BMHS Youth Philanthropy Council is a student-led program that provides students the opportunity to become leaders in their community by learning about community needs, real-world problems and philanthropy. Four students in the program will decide which applicants receive the grants.
“The Bishop Maginn Youth Philanthropy Council is a great way to teach students about philanthropy, while giving them the opportunity to use their voice to make a difference,” said Rebecca Bliss, facilitator of the program.
Being student-led means that students became council members and learned about the grant process in order to review applications. After applying to join the council in October, the members were able to hit the ground running following their Christmas break.
“Students spent several weeks learning about different types of nonprofits and the grant process,” Bliss said. “They are excited to put what they learned to use by giving at least one nonprofit the opportunity to complete a project that will impact Albany County.”
The deadline to apply for a grant is May 23. Council members will review applications and choose winning nonprofits. The funds will be awarded June 27.
Anyone interested in applying for the YPC grant can visit bishopmaginn.org and download the grant application. For more information, email rbliss@bishopmaginn.org.