INTRODUCING THE PASADENA INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION PROGRAM
What is youth philanthropy? – Philanthropy means “solving the problems facing mankind.” Even as young people, we see all the issues that are facing the world – some animal species in danger of extinction, kids around the world are getting sick and don’t have the medicines we have, the environment is being damaged. Just looking around or listening to the news here in our community we know there are social issues like homelessness, poverty, and even animal over population. Young people like you are making a difference – setting up fundraisers, donating online, setting up Causes on facebook and volunteering! You are the future and if you are excited and passionate about changing the world, PISF will help prepare you to do just that!
What is PISF? – PISF is a youth philanthropy program that will give Pasadena middle and high school students the unique opportunity to run a “private foundation” (the Pasadena Independent Schools Foundation) that gives money to charities so they can help people in need. Over the next school year, student participants, with the assistance of faculty, parent and philanthropic advisors, will be giving nearly $106,000 to local charities!
What is a “private foundation?” – A private foundation is an organization that’s established with the purpose of making grants to charities that address areas of concern to the foundation.
Who is running this program? – Springbanc Social Capital Advisors, a Los Angeles- based philanthropy advisory firm, is running the program in a partnership with twelve independent schools in the San Gabriel Valley.
Who is eligible to participate? – 100 students from grades 7 to 10 will be selected for the program from twelve schools.
What will we do as part of PISF? – The program will take place over two school years. We will meet twice a month, except for special months like December when there will only be one meeting. Participating students will be divided into two groups. One group will meet on Mondays and the other group will meet on Wednesdays, twice a month. One meeting will be an educational meeting and the second meeting will be a site visit to one of the local charitable organizations that has submitted a grant application. Each educational meeting will give you information about the various operational aspects of running a grant making organization – such as grant assessment, the responsibilities of the board of directors, and group decision making. During the site visit, you will learn how they are helping our community. At the end of the school year, you will decide which charities will receive grants. We will host an awards dinner where you will present the charities with the checks! Throughout the year, the program will be covered in the local newspaper, The Pasadena Outlook.
When will meetings take place? – Meetings will take place on Mondays or Wednesdays from 3:30p.m. to 5:00p.m. Site visits will also take place on Mondays or Wednesdays during the same time period at the various charities. There will be one Saturday meeting in March for discussion and recommendation of grant awards. A full program calendar will be distributed at a Kick-Off Meeting in September and is available in the PISF portal on the website.
What if I have to miss a meeting? – As a PISF program participant, you will be required to make a commitment to the program and to your group, and to balance it with your other activities. The mission of the program is important and will need everyone’s participation so you will be expected to attend every meeting. If you have to miss a meeting because of a special family event or emergency, your faculty advisor will work with you to catch up.
Does the program satisfy my community service requirement? – Yes, participating in PISF will count towards your community service requirement. Please see your faculty advisor for any necessary paperwork.
How will you choose participants? – We are looking for students who are passionate about changing the world and helping their community. Your faculty advisor will be able to talk to you about the application process.
How do I apply? – Fill out the application form online, including the conflict of interest disclosure and required recommendation by the stated deadline. Please be sure that both you and your parents have signed your application.
How do I know if I’ve been chosen? – You will receive an email in May notifying you if you have been accepted to participate in PISF.
If you have any questions, please see your faculty advisor. You can also call us at 213-248-5117, or email us at info@pisf.org.
Please visit our Web site at www.pisf.org
