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For 20 years, KOOL 105 has been your home for Mile High Hits. You've let us in to your home and your hearts. You've also supported KOOL and many charitable causes, helping people all over Denver, and for that we thank you! But our work isn't done yet. This web page is a chance for us to increase public awareness of some of our favorite causes and charities around the metro area. So if you have a few extra hours or a few extra dollars and are looking to donate to a reputable charity, you can count on KOOL's Cause of the Month to keep you up to date. Thanks for caring, Denver!
Young Philanthropists Foundation
At the Young Philanthropists Foundation (YPF), we define philanthropy as, "anything you do to make the world around you a better place." (Foundation Center)
The mission of the Young Philanthropists Foundation is to teach kids about giving back from a young age by creating hands-on opportunities for Colorado's youth to participate in all facets of the philanthropic process. We strive to inspire civic responsibility and leadership in the next generation through philanthropy and service-learning based programs. The goal is to offer a means by which giving can become part of children's lives at an early stage and inspire them to carry philanthropic traditions into adulthood.
Our Programs:
Penny Harvest
YPF's flagship program, the Penny Harvest, was created by New York City-based Common Cents. Recently featured on Oprah as the inspiration behind her Angel Network, the Penny Harvest is now the largest youth philanthropy program in the country, serving over 800 schools nationwide every year. Since the program's inception, participating students have given away over $6 million in pennies, awarded over 9,000 grants and contributed nearly 20 million service hours to their local communities. It is a fantastic way for kids to connect with their communities, and for communities to connect with their kids.
The Penny Harvest will launch in Colorado this fall, beginning in 25 elementary and middle schools across the state! It is a service-learning based youth philanthropy program designed specifically for K-8 grade students and runs the length of the school year. The program is broken into 4 phases:
- Gather Pennies - In the fall students harvest pennies from their family, neighbors and community and in doing so learn to identify community needs and connect with those around them.
- Make Grants - In the winter student leaders are given $1,000 and tasked with making grants back into their community. They map the community, identify organizations, make site visits and conduct interviews. It is all up to the students how to grant the money, but they must take into account the wishes and concerns of their fellow students and decide as a group how their money can most make a difference.
- Take Action - In the spring students take action in the community by partnering with local organizations to perform neighborhood service projects that address community problems.
- Party and Plan - At the end of the year schools celebrate their accomplishments with a party and check presentation ceremony.
Volunteer Drive
The YPF Volunteer Drive will be the next program we develop. The goal of the drive is to engage young people in volunteerism and raise awareness about volunteer opportunities as a viable part of summer vacation and other holidays.
Traditions
The goal of traditions is to engage not only children, but whole families in the practice of philanthropy. Traditions will be a program designed to give families ideas about and support in developing their own customs of giving back to their community in ways that resonate with them as a family.
Youth Advisory Councils
YPF will work to develop a youth advisory initiative to help nonprofits establish and maintain youth advisory boards. The goal of the Youth Advisory Council program is to build intergenerational community partnerships that incorporate the perspectives of young people in organizational decision making.
How Can You Help?
There are a number of ways for you to get involved in the Young Philanthropists Foundation and our programs - whether through a financial contribution, school recruitment or volunteer opportunity.
- Schools: We have a few spots left for this year's Penny Harvest and are looking for interested schools.
- Penny Partners: Your personal or corporate contribution of $1,000 to the Young Philanthropists Foundation allows us to fund the Penny Harvest for up to 750 students at one school. That's less than $2 per student!
- Volunteer: There are a number of ways to get involved, from adopting a school to helping with penny pick up.
Contact
For more extensive information on the Penny Harvest or any other YPF programs, please contact Alexis Boian at 303.521.1332, or send an email to aboian@ypfoundation.org.
You can also visit our websites at www.ypfoundation.org, or www.pennyharvest.org/colorado.
KOOL Cause of the Month Partners with the Daniels Fund:
KOOL 105 is proud to partner with the Daniels Fund for Cause of the Month. Philanthropist Bill Daniels loved America and believed each of us has a duty to offer help and hope to others. He established the Daniels Fund in 1997 to support programs that encourage personal responsibility and achievement. When Bill died in the year 2000, the bulk of his estate transferred to Daniels Fund, making it the largest foundation in the Rocky Mountain Region.
In the Fund's articles of incorporation, Bill directed the foundation to concentrate its efforts in two primary areas: College Scholarships and Community Support, including programs designed to help the homeless, physically handicapped and elderly individuals, as well as those suffering from substance abuse and mental handicaps.
For more information on the programs available through the Daniels Fund, just click here! |
