Girls Giving Back: Philanthropy for the Next Generation

Tags: Queen of Hearts Women's Fund, Youth Development

Philanthropy is not just for the wealthy, nor is it reserved for adulthood.  Anyone who has spent quality time with kids can attest to the charitable nature that nearly all children seem to have.  In fact, the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, part of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University, recently found that nine out of ten children (8-19 years of age) give to charity or volunteer of their own accord.

The study set out to discover how parents can encourage charitable behavior in their children.  It turns out that compared with simply role-modeling, actually engaging our children in conversations about philanthropy inspires them to take action in both the present and future.

Here in North Lake Tahoe that truth is in action.  An inspiring group of Queen of Hearts Women’s Fund members under 18 are passionate about making a difference in our community and crafting their own grant-making experience.

Two years ago, after meeting a member from Austin at the Annual Dinner they learned of a Girls Giving Grants program and were interested in launching a similar effort.

In 2014, the founding members of Tahoe-Truckee’s Girls Giving Back came together. Upon meeting, these young philanthropists had decided that the first order of business would be to create their own Youth Grant Cycle, and the fundraising has already begun! A combination of applying for grants (no easy task) and campaigning for donations has already inspired donors to contribute to their inspiring cause. With a goal of $1,250 and a pending match from the Queen of Hearts Grants Fund, we cannot wait to see the impact the Girls Giving Back make in 2015!

If you know a young woman who would like to participate in Girls Giving Back, and who has a relative or possible sponsor member of the Queen of Hearts, please contact Kristi Darzynkiewicz at QueenofHearts@ttcf.net to learn more.

Read the published article on the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy study.