Philanos launched a Young Philanthropist cohort on September 13. Scheduled to run for three consecutive Friday sessions, this cohort explored the how-tos for affiliates interested in starting a younger cohort and affiliates looking for ideas to maintain and expand their already existing younger cohorts. 

Youth philanthropy is when young people give their time, talent, money, and connections to help create social change. Youth philanthropy programs typically provide money and mentorship to young people to learn about giving, issues, and fundraising for nonprofit organizations addressing those issues.

“We were excited to offer this new opportunity to our affiliates to engage young philanthropists across the country” said Ann Marie McGee, Philanos co-Chair. 

The first session of the Philanos Young Philanthropist cohort focused on the experience of Impact 100 Cincinnati in establishing a younger cohort and keeping it alive for more than 10 years. Catherine O’Shea, the current YP Liaison for Impact 100 Cincinnati, described the program, which began in 2014, and presented a comprehensive slideshow that could easily serve as a tool box for Affiliates interested in starting a young cohort. It was inspiring to hear the many ways in which both the younger cohort and existing members of Impact 100 Cincinnati have benefited.

Catherine joined the second session of the YP Cohort on September 20 along with Kathy Thornton from Impact 100 Cincinnati. Together they presented the Elements for a Successful YP Program focusing on ways to create a welcoming environment and understanding the preferences and constraints of women under the age of 40. Catherine and Kathy also discussed the benefits that Impact 100 Cincinnati has experienced in starting a YP cohort, namely, the opportunity to diversify membership and the opportunity to build the next generation of philanthropists.

In the third and final session, Affiliates with existing YP programs discussed their programs. Attendees heard about membership subsidies, recruiting efforts, application models, number of YP members accepted in a single year and overall number of YP members. Most of the YP Programs include separate events for YP members and some require YP members to sit on a committee.

​​​"The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is nurturing youth philanthropists through our Break the Cycle Period Product Drive and Mini Give effort", says Paula Seabright, WGC's Break the Cycle Chair. "Participating in the Philanos Young Philanthropist cohort has been invaluable for us because we had an opportunity to learn, share, connect, and network with other giving circles across the country who are investing in young philanthropists as well and I am walking away with many new resources, contacts, and ideas to grow our effort here in Maryland." 

Attendees agreed to meet in late January to follow up with each other on their YP program planning.