The Jewish Teen Funders Network (JTFN) and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis are partnering for the first time to further enhance the learning, skills and impact of young philanthropy leaders in Indianapolis.
Jewish teenagers participating in YoPhI (Youth Philanthropy Indy), the Jewish teen philanthropy program, will receive a certificate of completion from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, adding to their future opportunities for higher education and social impact for good.
YoPhI is hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis and is part of JTFN's Foundation Board Incubator, an initiative funded by Laura Lauder and the Maimonides Fund. This initiative brings the success and impact of Jewish teen philanthropy programs across North America into cities around the world. Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the school will provide additional research-based knowledge, experience and expertise to help in instruction, coaching and mentoring of staff and students engaged in this program.
"This partnership will support teens in their commitment to acting responsibly in the world today and enabling them to make a lasting impact for good. Expanding opportunities with leading institutions will add further intelligence and understanding to the field of teen philanthropy," says Wayne Green, director of JTFN.
"With all the divisiveness in our current political climate, recent violence and increasing apathy in some corners, it is heartening to see young people intentionally focused on attending to how their faith, values and religious identity compel them to be philanthropists, community leaders and civic-minded citizens," said David P. King, Ph.D., M.Div., the Karen Lake Buttrey Director of Lake Institute.
On Dec. 9, the last night of Chanukah, at 6:15 p.m. YoPhI teens, Green and King will gather for an outdoor Chanukah candle lighting and library dedication event at the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis.
"Collaborations with expert organizations allows us to deepen our connections within the Jewish community and the broader community in order to serve as a unifying partner," says Debra Barton Grant, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis. "The YoPhI program serves as a model for JFGI's efforts to build a vibrant and engaged Jewish community and to support innovative programs and affiliations that address the stated needs of our community."