Samuel M. Goldston Teen Philanthropy Project

For teens in grades 7-8

Everyone wants to do something memorable. How will you leave your footprint?

The Samuel M. Goldston Teen Philanthropy Project gives teens the tools to make a difference. Participants partake in seven workshops exploring a number of non-profit agencies and helping teens learn to build foundations to make the world a better place. Each workshop will be tailored to a meaningful topic ranging from Jewish values to budgeting and grant making. We work to harness the passion of Jewish values, keeping constant focus on fundraising and the heart and meaning of philanthropy. Teens will develop friendships from different schools and neighborhoods, allowing them to build a deeper understanding of tzedakah than they would alone.

Each teen will contribute $500 of his or her Bat/Bar Mitzvah money to the pooled project endowment. Contributions are matched dollar for dollar through a generous grant from Edward and Linda Goldston (z’l) in memory of their son, Samuel. Using what they have learned about philanthropy, participants will work together to determine how to award grants to four non-profits of their choosing. They will review grant proposals from prospective recipients, make site visits to programs and organizations that have submitted proposals and choose how to distribute the funds and ultimately feel the power and joy of being an influential change maker.

Participants will:

• Learn about philanthropy, grant making and Jewish values
• Explore the many ways nonprofit agencies help make this world a better place
• Develop friendships with other teens from different schools and neighborhoods
• Perform community service which may be eligible for school credit
• Make group funding decisions
• Partake in seven workshops running from September through April

Register for Goldston Teen Philanthropy.

Rabbi Ron Symons

Senior Director of Jewish Life
412.339.5395