JACKSON, Wyo. — The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole announced today that its 2023 Youth Philanthropy program awarded $37,000 in grants to 21 local nonprofits.

Youth Philanthropy provides students at the five local high schools a hands-on learning experience in philanthropy. Participating students review grant proposals, discuss their community impact and make difficult granting decisions in order to fund local nonprofit initiatives.

Last December, 24 nonprofits submitted grant applications, and the high school Youth Philanthropy committees met throughout the winter to review applications and decide which projects to support. This year more than 50 students from Jackson Hole High School, Summit Innovations School, Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools, Jackson Hole Community School and Jackson Hole Classical Academy participated in the Youth Philanthropy program. The grant proposals they reviewed represented a wide array of art, conservation, health and human services and educational programs in Teton County.

Youth Philanthropy applicant Climb Wyoming was granted $3000 for its proposal entitled “Dress For Success: Giving Low-Income Single Mothers in the Tetons the Tools to Start New Careers.”

“As our Climb participants are starting new jobs, the last thing we want them to be worried about is if they have the right equipment for the position,” said Climb’s Teton rea program director Christy Thomas. “The Youth Philanthropy grant will help our participants the necessary clothing, such as steal-toed shoes and hard hats for commercial driving license training or scrubs for a Certified Nursing Assistant Training, or professional office clothing for an administrative position. The right clothing also helps participants feel confident and prepared for their new career!”

Youth Philanthropy saw a record ask this year with 27 organizations requesting a total $72,800, and local students rose to the decision-making challenge. “Our reviewers engaged in thoughtful, high-level discussions over a compelling set of proposals and they ultimately funded those they believe will most benefit our community,” said Community Foundation Director of Grants Annie Ridell. “Youth Philanthropy gives teens a unique lens into the work of our nonprofits and helps light their fire as next-generation philanthropists.”

The Community Foundation is pleased to recognize exemplary student leaders in the Youth Philanthropy program. The Future Old Bill Award is given to the student who is an example of Mr. and Mrs. Old Bill, demonstrates leadership, thoughtfulness and a charitable spirit throughout the grant-making process. Each winner receives $400 to allocate to the local nonprofit(s) of their choice. This year the Future Old Bill Award winners are:

  • Jackson Hole Classical Academy: Jackson and James Neishabouri (joint prize)
  • Jackson Hole Community School: Dylan Visosky
  • Jackson Hole High School: Sayre Jorgenson
  • Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools: Sophie Neilson
  • Summit Innovations School: Hugo Loaeza

Youth Philanthropy Grant Winners

  • Animal Adoption Center | Canine Behavior Manager | $500
  • Art Association of Jackson Hole | Avery Mathieu Scholarship Fund | $2,500
  • Astoria Park Conservancy | Launching Place-Based Education at Astoria to Inspire Natural Community
  • Connections | $1,000
  • Boundless | Opportunities for Children | $1,500
  • Camina Conmigo | Library Gear | $1,000
  • Center for the Arts | HACER | $1,000
  • Climb Wyoming | Dress for Success | $3,000
  • Coombs Outdoors | Backcountry Ski Club | $1,800
  • Energy Conservation Works | Community Mobilizer Fund | $1,500
  • First in Family Jackson Hole Scholarships | Books for Local First Generation Scholars | $3,000
  • Girls Actively Participating (GAP) | Munger Elementary Leadership Program | $500
  • Good Samaritan Mission | Totes of Hope Food Program | $3,000
  • Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance | Conservation Leadership Institute Speaker Equity Fund | $1,500
  • Jackson Hole Public Art | Art Making Materials for Community Art | $1,000
  • Jackson Hole Writers | Almost Authors Kids Free Writing Workshops | $1,950
  • Off Square Theatre Company | Off Square Players | $1,500
  • Protect Our Water Jackson Hole | Teton County E. Coli Monitoring | $3,000
  • Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation | Getting You Home Animated Video | $1,000
  • Teton Raptor Center | Recovering from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza | $3,000
  • Vista 360° Inc. | Scholarships for Hands-On Workshops in Cowboy Craft Traditions | $2,250
  • Voices Jackson Hole | Latinx Professionals Empowerment Series | $2,000