NORWICH – Norwich High School was asked to participate in a pilot program organized by the Upstate Institute at Colgate University. The project: to administer $10,000 in grant funds to worthy non-profit organizations.

Norwich High School Teacher Susan Fertig agreed to participate in the program, and at the beginning of the year, 16 upperclassmen applied to take part.

“We’ve been given $10,000 to give away to non-profits in Chenango County,” said student Colleen Monday. Funding for the program was provided by the United Way, Community Fund of South Central new York, the Upstate Institute, NBT Bank and the Weyhauser Family Foundation.

Monday explained the experience so far, saying students had the opportunity to learn about philanthropy and what a non-profit organization is.

The students learned the basics about non-profit organizations, as well as details about specific operations in the area. “We had guest speakers from non-profits in the community,” said Vinny Festarini.

The students received nine request for proposal forms from area non-profit agencies asking for funding for specific projects. Monday marked the deadline for the requests. “Now we’re going to start reading through them to decide how to use the money,” said student Alison Brown.