Staying Persistent in Philanthropy: Lessons from the YTFG Philanthropy Project
By Fatima Juarez
The Youth Transition Funders Group (YTFG) Fellowship Program offers a philanthropy project for its fellows in which they each have a designated amount of funding to allocate as a donation to an organization serving YTFG’s population of focus. YTFG Fellows engage in a process of exploring their personal and collective values, determining criteria for how funds will be allocated, assessing possible areas of aligned interests where funding could potentially be pooled, developing a process for gathering information from possible gift recipients, allocating the funds to selected organizations, and reflecting on impact and learnings once funds have been utilized.
During the recent YTFG panel conversation in Detroit, I shared that my initial plans to allocate funds for a key project faced unexpected challenges. The organization I initially chose pushed back on the way I intended to use the funds, which delayed the project. However, this challenge reaffirmed the importance of staying true to my vision—especially when supporting causes close to my heart.
Higher education has always been deeply meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. As a former foster youth and single mother, I experienced firsthand the transformative impact of scholarships that allowed me to complete my undergraduate degree. This journey fueled my passion for supporting other system-impacted single mothers pursuing higher education. I knew that this project was too important to abandon, so I began looking for a new partner that shared my values.
I reached out to OC United, an organization based in Orange County, CA, that supported me during my own undergraduate years. OC United’s mission—to partner in the healing and prevention of trauma through restorative relationships and whole-person care—perfectly aligned with the goals of my project. After meeting with their co-founder and sharing what YTFG stands for, I knew I had found the right partner.
I even attended one of their Thrive Night sessions, a weekly program for participants of their transitional housing program. There, I met the two inspiring young mothers who would be receiving the funds:
One young mom is currently enrolled in a Nurse Assistant program and will be using the funds to complete her school year, as her financial aid has not come through. She expressed that with YTFG's help, she’s one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a nurse.
The second mom, a mother of two, is studying child development at a community college. She plans to use the funds for textbooks, childcare, and application fees to transfer to a four-year university. Her long-term goal is to open her own childcare center once she graduates.
Meeting these young women was incredibly moving. It underscored why staying persistent in philanthropy matters. It can be discouraging when an organization doesn’t share your vision, but you don’t have to compromise your values or abandon your mission. This experience was a testament to finding partners who align with your cause and believing in your ability to make a meaningful impact.
This journey reminded me that philanthropy is not just about giving—it’s about resilience, collaboration, and finding the right people who share your dedication to positive change. I’m grateful to OC United and the YTFG network for making this possible. Moving forward, I’m more committed than ever to supporting system-impacted youth and ensuring that the resources we provide empower them to pursue their goals with confidence.
Thank you to everyone in the YTFG community for your ongoing support. Your dedication continues to inspire me, and I’m excited for what’s to come as we work together to create opportunities and uplift young lives.