Last week, the McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) traveled to Moundridge Middle School to bring its youth philanthropy program to local fourth-grade students. The Voices in Philanthropy (VIP) program began in 2023 as a way to help young community members understand the importance of philanthropy and the role they can play in making a difference.
This marks the first time MCCF has brought VIP programming to Moundridge. Previously, the program has been offered at McPherson Middle School and in Canton-Galva and Lindsborg elementary schools.
Betsy Davis, Director of Community Services at MCCF, said the program is designed to introduce students to nonprofits, volunteering and the broader meaning of philanthropy. VIP includes three visits to the school over the course of the semester.
During the first visit, which took place earlier in Mar., foundation staff provided an overview of philanthropy and introduced the three common ways people give back: time, talent and treasure.
“We put a big emphasis on the fact that you don’t need to be a millionaire to make an impact on your community,” Davis said. “People willing to volunteer their time or share their skills who also make a difference.”
On this last visit, students took part in a community project in partnership with a local organization. The project had students put together Hygiene kits for the Mennonite Central Committee.
Past VIP programs have completed projects such as making blankets for a local cat shelter and planting tulip bulbs in public spaces.
Davis said it’s often during these hands-on experiences that students begin to see how rewarding volunteering can be. For some, though, philanthropy is already part of their daily lives.
“I like when we talk about philanthropy and realize many of these kids are already doing it,” Davis said. “Picking up trash in public spaces or reading with older adults are just some of the ways they’re already contributing to their community.”
The program will conclude in the coming weeks with a nonprofit fair at Moundridge Middle School, where students will have the opportunity to interact with local organizations. At the end of the event, each student will be given $25 to donate to organizations as they choose.
“We want to expose students to the wide range of organizations in their community and help them find something they connect with,” Davis said. “Through VIP, we hope to get them involved early and develop that sense of civic mindedness, so they continue giving back as they grow older.”
MCCF plans to expand the Voices in Philanthropy program to reach all elementary schools in McPherson County.
To learn more about VIP or how to bring the program to your school, contact Betsy Davis at [email protected].
