LEAP Program
—Fox Valley, Illinois—
The LEAP program, which stands for Leadership Education Altruism Philanthropy, in Kane County, Illinois is our first affiliated program operating independently of the local community foundations. LEAP acquired its 501c3 status through the funding of Hope Grows, which is a 501c3 organization that supports philanthropy through education and hands-on experience.
Their engagement of local students has been incredibly impressive, as in their first year they managed to engage 21 students from 6 local high schools to grant $20,000 to 6 local organizations, and now in their second year they have added a new cohort of 26 students from 10 local high schools. Even with the breadth of student acceptance from the community, they have been able to get the students to work together as a unit, which is notably important for the rigorous consensus-based fund allocation the students have to do, and thoroughly enjoy the learning process.
Local Organizations Funded
Lazarus House
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley
The Renaissance Foundation
CASA Kane County
The Joshua Tree Community
Radical Love
