The Community Foundation which serves Inland Southern California (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties) has area high school students fund grants for local nonprofits.
Cameron Ceballos believes his peers today are more involved in their communities than ever before. This is evident in The Community Foundation’s Youth Grantmakers Program, now completing its ninth year. “Youth Grantmakers has connected me to many generous and compassionate students who all have the same goal in mind. Every member involved in this program want to help those within the community of San Bernardino.”
Ceballos graduated from Aquinas High School in San Bernardino and will be attending Cal State University, San Bernardino in the fall. He joined the program when he was a sophomore and has since gained critical skills.
In a ceremony held at SAC Health Systems on June 10, the San Bernardino program celebrated with 4 nonprofits chosen to receive a total of $9,650. Additional $3,000 in grants was given to nonprofits by seniors who selected their “Charity of Choice.” The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors approved the choices.
With representatives from 23 high schools in both counties, 77 Youth Grantmakers make up the Riverside, San Bernardino, Coachella Valley, and Native programs. Since the inception of this program, Youth Grantmakers have awarded over $278,000 to deserving nonprofit agencies. In 2017-2018, they made $49,385 in grants, of which $13,100 were “Charity of Choice” recipients. $36,285 was awarded to 16 nonprofits: Assistance League of Temecula Valley ($4,000); Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert, Inc ($1,500); Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire ($4,000); Birth Choice of the Desert($2,000); Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley ($2,500); Calicinto Ranch, Inc. ($2,500); Community Health Systems Inc. ($2,000); Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley ($1,435); Highlanders Boxing Club ($2,500); Love Riverside ($1,500); Oak Grove Institute Foundation ($1,200); Operation SafeHouse ($2,500); Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation ($2,500); San Bernardino Fatherhood ($2,150); The YouthHope Foundation ($2,500); and Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert ($1,500).
During the 2017-2018 academic year, Youth Grantmakers across the two-county region strengthened their leadership skills as they participated in philanthropy. Students learned to read and analyze a grant application, respectfully debate the most critical needs while learning to listen to others’ perspectives, and prioritize the many worthwhile requests.
“The goal is teach young people about the tradition of philanthropy,” said Celia Cudiamat, Senior Vice President of Grants and Community Impact. “We hope the end result is an ethic of service and lifelong involvement in their community.”