A national 501(c)3 philanthropic service organization
“The Three Pillars Program is extraordinary…”
“...In the past fourteen years of working in philanthropy and community development, I have never seen a program so comprehensive and exciting. The students are dynamic and the relationship between mentor and young philanthropists will truly change our community for the better.”
Chris Hochstetler | Grand Island Youth Philanthropy Board | Mentor
“I can’t put into words the impact TPI has had on my life”
“It has affected every organization I have been a part of! It has made me a more well-rounded individual, and I cannot put into words the impact TPI has had on my life.”
Phyllis K. | Future Philanthropists Program | Graduate ‘24
Illinois Youth Philanthropy Day
What is Illinois Youth Philanthropy Day?
Illinois Youth Philanthropy Day celebrates all the ways that young people share their time, talents, treasures, voices, and passions for causes they believe in.
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Join us in pledging to find ways for young people in your community to have a voice and share in your mission.
EASY WAYS TO GET INVOLVED!
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Use one of our YPD posts on your social media OR post your own stories about young people who have volunteered in your organization or have been of service to your community.
This is a simple, public show of support that highlights youth already making an impact in your community.
ACTION IDEA - Grab one of our IL YPD posts and add it to your Social Media
Go on our website - www.threepillarsinitiative.org
Choose a graphic & caption and post to your socials - LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram.
ACTION IDEA - Remind your network of the work you have done with youth.
Share a few photos of local young people who have volunteered with you, or who are leading, or in service of others. Use a short and consistent caption, and tag local youth orgs where possible.
SAMPLE CAPTION: Today, we’re celebrating the young people in [community name] who are showing what it means to care for others and take action.
Use hashtags to connect to us: #ILYouthPhilanthropyDay, #YouthAction
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Add your name to support our application for a National Youth Philanthropy Day!
We are applying to designate a National Day to celebrate Youth Philanthropy! Lend your voice to our petition and help us get it over the line!
ACTION IDEA - Add your name as a show of support to this petition.
Go on our website - www.threepillarsinitiative.org - and add your name!
Note: This information collected will only be used as part of our application for a National Commemorative Day honoring Youth Philanthropy. Your name and organization will not be shared publicly.
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Team up with a local youth summer program in your community and organize an interactive and live display of youth voice.
This is a simple yet interactive way for young people to share what they care about in their community.
ACTION IDEA - Engage Youth with a Partner Community Program.
Partner with a local summer youth program who shares in your enthusiasm for young people and youth engagement.
Arrange a date and time to visit them at their location; this could be as little as one hour!
Pick a large wall that would be the focus of the “Young Minds, Big Hearts” Interactive Wall. Consider pre-printing a banner that has this activity name and can bring attention and focus to the area.
Provide paper hearts (or sticky notes) and markers, and ask students: “what do you love about your community?” or “who do you care about?”
Youth write responses and add them to a board or wall, and optionally, they can group responses into themes like family, environment, school etc.
This activity can be as short or as long as you want it to be!
Additional optional add-on activities might include:
Talking with the group about what they wrote and how it makes them feel.
Taking photos of youth participants in action! (NOTE: always confirm with your host that photos of underage youth are permitted)
Don’t forget to photograph the wall after it’s done! You will want to share these photos with your network.
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Use June 4 to pledge your commitment to hosting a youth listening session this summer. Start the planning, find your youth champion, and set a date for gathering youth from your community.
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On June 4th, pledge your commitment to organizing a “Youth Voice” writing competition in your community.
Not Just a Youth Philanthropy Program Model
A paved path for communities committed to raising engaged citizens who step up for the common good.
We provide everything you’d otherwise need to spark fresh ideas, bring lasting impact to your community from the ground up, and solidify a culture of generosity and adaptability:
Robust Curricula & Materials to structure granting, fundraising, and strategic volunteering
Donor Engagement Strategies to secure lasting relevance and build a next generation giving pipeline
Expert Consulting to personalize approaches and ensure program success
Intergenerational Mentorship Structure to allow youth to learn from experienced community leaders
Research & Evaluation to track your program efficiency and impact
All-in-one self-sustaining model that builds informed, giving leaders & sparks a lifetime of civic impact.
Your generosity helps young people in more communities grow into engaged, capable leaders who strengthen the places they call home.
Since our inception, we’ve equipped more than 1,000 youth participants with the skills and mindset of effective philanthropy. They’ve visited and funded over 150 local nonprofits, granted more than $1M, and raised more than $1.5M to sustain that impact. Yet many communities still lack pathways for the next generation of civic leaders. Our vision is a world where every community offers youth a chance to lead change. Your support helps bring these opportunities to more young people who deserve the resources and respect to strengthen the places they call home.
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The Three Pillars
What are the Three Pillars of Philanthropy and how are they involved in our approach?
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Why Youth Philanthropy?
Learn about the many reasons to use youth philanthropy in a community for both immediate and lasting benefits.
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Amplify Your Funding Impact
Make your funds go further and turn your limited funds into multiplied impact.
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Illinois Summit on Youth Philanthropy
Learn about our Illinois Summit on Youth Philanthropy and the Youth Philanthropy Day Proclamation.
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National Alumni Network
See photos from our recent TPI National Alumni Network Launch Party and where it goes from here.
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Testimonials from Others Who Took the Leap
Hear from program coordinators, mentors, and youth participants in their own words about the impact of joining a TPI program.
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Model Efficacy & Impact
Check out the study from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy that confirmed the incredible efficacy of our program model.
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Join the Movement
Find out how you can be a part of our community that catalyzes change in communities across the country!
Give the Gift that Outlives You.
Empower the Next Generation of Changemakers.
Youth
Participants
1000+
Funds Raised
By Senior Student
Cohorts
$1,589,427
$1,028,801
Funds Granted By Junior Student Cohorts
150+ Unique
Local Nonprofit
Organizations
TPI Affiliate Impact to Date
Updates
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Interested in receiving occasional updates about our national youth philanthropy impact and learnings? Click below to add your name to our monthly free Youth Philanthropy Digest and stay up to date on the latest info!
