The fourth annual Buderim Foundation Youth in Philanthropy Project was launched on Friday 28th February at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Buderim Foundation Youth Committee Chair Graham Tamblyn said the Project offers a mentoring program to introduce the concept of philanthropy to young people in our region.
“We want to demonstrate the value that philanthropy has and inspire young people to adopt it throughout their lives,” Mr Tamblyn said.
“Philanthropy is vitally important to a thriving society and by talking to student leaders, we hope we will encourage long-term, and even life-long involvement in the community,” Mr Tamblyn said.
“Students from six local schools will participate in the Youth in Philanthropy Project this year, where they’ll be able to learn more about the concept and the power giving can have in a very practical way,” he said.
“Each school group will be asked to come up with an idea for a philanthropic project of their choice before starting work on an action plan which they will take back to their school.
“This plan includes an operational outline, a budget and proposed outcomes,” Mr Tamblyn said.
“We then encourage these groups to apply for one of the Buderim Foundation’s Starter Youth Grants of up to $200 to support the successful implementation of their project.
“It’s really a very practical, and exciting introduction to philanthropy and is a real thrill for students to see their ideas in action.”
Sunshine Coast Grammar School Coordinator of Community Services Ben Princehorn said their school had enjoyed the fantastic opportunities for collaboration provided by the Buderim Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy Project over a number of years.
“The Project has opened the eyes of our students to the many possibilities that exist in our local area to show care, compassion and leadership,” Mr Princehorn said.
“The networking opportunities that the Project provides generate creative and outward thinking young men and women who will continue to serve our community long after their school days have passed.
“Working collaboratively with like-minded students from our neighbouring schools is a highlight and we look forward to continuing to develop strong connections as we work with the Foundation. The grant funding provided by the Foundation has assisted us in supporting aged care and health projects in meaningful and purposeful ways.
“I would encourage schools from throughout the region to join in what is a dynamic, engaging and fulfilling experience.”
Mr Tamblyn said the students have four months from the date of the workshop to deliver on their project, before sharing details of its implementation and impact at the Buderim Foundation’s Community Grants Celebration later in the year.
The 2020 Youth in Philanthropy Project includes talks on the value of volunteering, and philanthropy in action, as well as workshops on how to start an action plan and the grant application process.
The Chair of the Buderim Foundation, Dr Russell Stitz will also be in attendance to outline the goals and structure of the Buderim Foundation, which is recognised as one of the top four regional Philanthropic Community Foundations in Australia.
Mr Stitz will emphasise that Foundation’s commitment to supporting the community into the future, building its corpus or capital base so that money earned from the investments will provide ever-increasing grants to community groups.
“As part of that, we have established a Youth Sub-fund, which is focused on providing grants specifically for programs benefiting our young people,” Mr Stitz said.
“We go even further through programs like the Youth in Philanthropy Project, where we also foster a giving philosophy that will grow with these young people into the future.”
For more information on the Buderim Foundation, please visit the website – www.buderimfoundation.org.au.
