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.
Before they began the Youth Philanthropy Council, many of the students said they were aware of non-profits in the community, but had no idea what went on behind the scenes. While the project has taught the students a lot about the community and the non-profits that make a difference, it has also given them a great experience. “I feel like I’m making a difference,” said Ellie Sacks.
“Now, they will begin reviewing the requests and the students will attend site visits to see the applicants before they make a decision,” Monaco said.
On May 7, the Youth Philanthropy Council will hold a presentation and awards ceremony for those who receive funding from the project. The students will grade the proposals based on the criteria they set forth in their mission statement.
“We’re looking to do this again next year,” said Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco. “We’re looking for feedback, but we want to do this for a second year at least.”
In July, the Youth Philanthropy Council will bring together people from other schools and the community to share the successes, weaknesses and the things they’ve learned through this process.
In addition to their work with the funding activity, the students have volunteered their time after school since the beginning of the year. On Saturday, March 28, they will help an area non-profit agency in another was as they perform community service at The Place. “The students have devoted a lot of time to this,” said Fertig. “This is an after school activity. The students get no credit for this. They applied to be part of this program.”
Festarini said he would recommend this program to any student. “We learned a lot about the needs of the community,” he said. Charlotte Fetzko agreed. “I didn’t know we were in such need. There are so many in poverty,” she said. The students learned that there are 92 non-profit agencies in Chenango County alone. “This is a great way to give back to the community that has helped us in so many ways,” Monday said.