Lessons from the 2024 YTFG Fellow Philanthropy Project
By Jennifer Miller
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”
This quote by Confucius is the philosophy behind the YTFG Philanthropy Project – a yearlong experience designed for the YTFG Fellows to learn about philanthropy by becoming philanthropists themselves. Each Fellow received $3,000 to donate to the organization of their choice. To inform their decisions, they explored their values, motivations for giving, investment priorities and preferred investment strategies. They researched organizations that were aligned with their values and weighed the pros and cons of giving to the different causes they are most passionate about. In the process, they learn much about philanthropy, about their communities, and about themselves. And in turn, their insights and reflections help inform and strengthen YTFG members’ own approach to grantmaking.
Below are some of the insights Fellows shared at the 2024 Fall YTFG Meeting in Detroit.
The philanthropy project elevated their leadership in the community to a different level.
The fellows felt that the process of giving helped them demonstrate leadership skills that members of the community didn’t know they had. “It was an experience for both of us,” said Lupita. “For them to see me in a serious way - and they look at me differently after that.”
The young people who benefited from the funds now see the fellows in a different light. “I received two videos from young people thanking me for the contribution” shared Vannesa. “I really wasn’t expecting that, and it helped me realize that they saw me as a leader in the community.”
The project helped fellows learn more about themselves and each other, and the role they want to play in building their communities.
This project reminded me of the power I have within myself. There are opportunities for people like me to give to my community in a deeper way and create value,” shared Daniel.
Vannesa shared that working with everyone on the project helped her to understand and respect the values and priorities of her peers.
Several fellows shared that the project got them thinking more about their future.
Fatima said the project confirmed for her that there are careers she can pursue that are better for her mental health than others. “All the work is important, but I don’t have to keep constantly emotionally burdening myself. Philanthropy opened my eyes. I learned I can still contribute and make an impact. It gave me perspective about my career.'‘
Lupita reflected on how the project allowed her to think more about the future and her role in her community. “It made me think about why I am here. What am I doing within myself? It made me look at where I was going to be in 5 years.”
Fellows learned that prospective grantees don’t always share their ideas for what is a worthy investment.
Several fellows had ideas for what grantees should do with the money that didn’t match what the organizations wanted to do. “I knew there was a need; I didn’t expect the organization to oppose my ideas. I thought they’d happily take my money,” said Fatima. Learn more about Fatima’s experience.
Fellows learned that you can give away money without making it burdensome for the recipients.
The Fellows designed a simple google sheet for their organizations to complete so they didn’t have to spend a lot of time writing a proposal. “We know what organizations can provide the help”, said Vannesa. “I didn’t want them to have to take a lot of time for the logistics. I wanted them to feel like I had their back.”
Fellows shared the importance of investing in grassroots organizations.
“I wanted to invest in the organizations that are closest to my heart and that I know impact my community the most.” shared Daniel.” It’s really important for people to invest in grassroots organizations because they don’t have the capacity to go after grants.
Lupita reflected that “it was just a little pile of money, but they depended on this little bit. There are a lot of people out there doing the work and not even getting paid.”,
Fellows also shared their advice to foundations based upon their experience with the philanthropy project, as well as the YTFG fellowship more broadly. These include:
Keep investing in the YTFG Fellowship. It’s a transformative experience;
Hire more people with lived experience to help guide the work to give out money;
Invest in more grassroots organizations;
Give credit where credit is due – sometimes with the big grants, the role of folks in the community gets lost;
Invest in older youth. Everything caps at 25 or 26, even the YTFG mission. We still need help and support after 26.
Most Fellows began their philanthropy project with limited exposure to the challenges of making decisions about how to give wisely. They ended the project with a keener understanding of just how complex philanthropy can be and learned valuable lessons about what it means to be a philanthropist. Whether they find themselves on the receiving end or the giving end in the future, these lessons will be invaluable in their commitment to transform systems for young people, their families, and communities.
See the full list of recipients of the fellows funds for the philanthropy project.