Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) is a special initiative by community foundations to engage local youth in grantmaking and community development. The program has a multitude of benefits: students gain valuable skills and a life-long interest in philanthropy and community; foundations raise awareness within the next generation and add a youth perspective to their grantmaking; and community organizations receive funding.

YiP participants have consistently proven themselves as thoughtful grant-makers and committed members of their communities.

In addition to Grant-making, many Manitoba YiP groups have taken on special community service projects this past year. The Dauphin & District Community Foundation YiP Council has taken an interest in volunteering at community events and was awarded the Volunteers of the Month Award by the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Diabetes Association for helping with the Diabetes Clothesline in May.

As well they assisted with the Breakfast Program at Whitmore School. Colleen Sulatyski, the YiP Advisor, feels its important for the members to get out into the community to interact with the organizations they are trying to help financially. Its good experience for them to see what their contribution is doing.

Parkland Youth Football received the largest grant of $1,085. The council was impressed with this project involving youth as participants, as well as involving the high school football team as the leaders and mentors for the people involved.