Teens get hands-on philanthropy experience

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This article was published 07/01/2022 (1598 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A group of teens from Winnipeg’s Jewish community is getting a chance to learn leadership skills, network and give money away through the new Teens and Philanthropy program.

In the program, launched in December as part of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, 35 teens between the ages of 14 and 17 meet monthly to decide how to allocate funds to local non-profits through the federation’s Combined Jewish Appeal.

“It’s a chance to give them a hands-on experience in philanthropy,” said organizer Sam Slutchuk, who works as a development associate with the federation. “The best way to do that is with real money.”

Through TAP, the teens will be asked as a group to decide how to donate $3,600 from the federation to non-profit organizations.

“Each meeting, they will research and openly discuss which agencies they feel have the greatest need for the funds,” Slutchuk said.

Based on a similar program in the United States, TAP is the first of its kind for the Jewish community in Winnipeg and possibly a first for Jews in Canada, he said.

The goal is to help develop future leaders in the Jewish community and beyond.

“As older people age out of leadership, there is a need to bring in younger people,” Slutchuk said. “The federation has been here for the community in the past. We need to ensure it is there in the future for the good of others.”

For the teens, involvement in TAP will also provide a reference letter they can use when applying for university studies or jobs. It will also offer opportunities for involvement in local non-profit groups.

“It’s a chance for them to get a foot in the door,” Slutchuk said.

For Elaine Goldstine, federation chief executive officer, the TAP program is “amazing.”

“It’s a great way to get the next generation involved,” she said, noting while raising money is hard, so is deciding how to give it away. “It’s a great learning opportunity for the teens.”

The first TAP meeting takes place this month. The funds will be allocated by spring; the program will run until June.

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