Honoring the Next Generation of Philanthropic Champions — The 2025 High School Giving Circle
We are thrilled to share exciting news from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Cornerstone Awards! This year’s Outstanding Youth Philanthropist award went to the 2025 High School Giving Circle at the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, and we couldn’t be prouder.
What is the High School Giving Circle (HSGC)?
The Giving Circle is a unique program that empowers local high school students to experience philanthropy firsthand. Each year, students come together to learn about community needs, evaluate nonprofit proposals, and make real grant decisions. It’s more than giving—it’s leadership, empathy, and impact in action.
Through this program, students discover that philanthropy isn’t just for later in life, it’s something they can do now. They learn how to ask tough questions, think critically about social issues, and collaborate to make meaningful change. These young philanthropists are shaping the future of giving in Nevada.
Who did the HSGC Support this cycle?
- Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada to launch a support group in a small town for one year
- Amplify Life to support 5 students in their pre-employment program and 5 participants in their Friday program
- Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP) for food supplies for one full year
- Domestic Violence Resource Center to their Client Support Fund, helping with urgent needs such as transportation, childcare, and life-skills training
- Note-able Music Therapy Services for four new steel tongue drums
- Northern Nevada Literacy Council to support online literacy and High School Equivalency preparation for adult learners
- JAG Nevada toward mentoring students
Why This Award Matters
The AFP Cornerstone Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that exemplify the spirit of generosity and community leadership. By honoring the High School Giving Circle, AFP recognizes the power of youth-driven philanthropy and the importance of cultivating the next generation of changemakers.
A Big Thank You
To the students who participated, Fayth Ross, our educator who supports them, and the donors who make this program possible: thank you! Your commitment to learning, giving, and leading is inspiring. Together, you’ve shown that philanthropy starts with a simple idea: we can make a difference, right here at home.