High School Giving Circle Awards Grants to Aid Youth

The 2015 Circle’s grants made in December totaled $10,200. $10,000 was provided to the Circle from a Community Foundation Fundholder who supports the 10-week program of hands-on philanthropic education as a life changing the experience.  A former member of the Circle gave $200 received as a gift; proving it was, at least for this student, a meaningful experience. This year’s High School Giving Circle membership sharpened their charitable focus and concentrated on helping the region’s disadvantaged young people. Imaginative grants went to help rural children attend Nevada Outdoor School and learn science in the Sierras, fund a “doula” to assist three young mothers to give birth at Casa De Vida, and to Sierra Arts Foundation to support students painting a mural in Turning Point High School. The largest grant went to Child Assault Prevention to fund 32 workshops in elementary schools. Child Assault Prevention’s workshops are mandated by State Legislature—but rely on community grants like those from High School Giving Circle and the Community Foundation’s Celebrate Diversity Fund to help children know what to do when witnessing or being victimized by bullying.  The Circle members granted The Eddy House YOUth Resource Center funds for the care and comfort services they offer homeless youth. The High School Giving Circle is composed of students from public and private schools across Washoe County. There is no cost to join. Members are expected to have transportation to the Community Foundation office and to commit to attending all weekly after school meetings.  Applications to join the circle are sent to school counselors in September.