As Part of the Curriculum, Students Award Two $1,500 Grants
Buffalo, N.Y. – The Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative (CGLI), a fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and an initiative that aims to cultivate change in the lives of trailblazing youth of color living within Western New York, is pleased to announce that 11 high school students have completed The Young Philanthropists (TYP) program. The students were honored at a Capstone Ceremony on June 20, during which they also awarded $1,500 grants to The Belle Center and Home Beneath Our Feet, Inc.
The 2024 TYPs include six juniors: Jaden Gray, Health Sciences Charter School; Christa Meadows, Buffalo School of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management; Dwyane Fitzgerald, Randolph Academy; Shamya Davis, South Park High School; Abdikani Muhdin, Lafayette High School; and Muna Muhdin, Lafayette High School.
Additionally, this year’s TYPs included five seniors from Health Sciences Charter School: Myron Adan, Ma’Liza Miller, Zion Jones, Dwyane Thrist and Saul Kidane.
The CGLI launched its TYP program in 2016 to spark curiosity about giving personally and collectively within communities of color by providing learning opportunities for grantmaking, community impact and philanthropy. This teen leadership program provides hands-on experience working with the three pillars of philanthropy—service projects, fund raising and charitable giving. After hearing from leaders and philanthropists in the community, TYPs also have the opportunity to award $1,500 grants to two 501 (c)(3) community organizations. To accomplish this, the 2024 TYPs met multiple times over the past several months and completed eight modules of curriculum work.
“These high school students are a shining example of the CGLI’s mission in action and we are proud of what they have accomplished during their time in our TYP program,” said Oswaldo Mestre, Jr., CGLI Chair. “On behalf of the CGLI Council, we congratulate them for their commitment to learning about the power of grantmaking and their commitment to making a positive impact in Western New York. I am confident that these young people will continue to pay it forward and look for ways to give back in meaningful ways.”
Applications for the 2024-25 TYP program will be accepted starting in fall 2024. Visit thecgli.org for more information.
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About the CGLI
The Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative® (CGLI), a fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, exists to cultivate positive change in the lives of trailblazing youth of color living within Western New York. The CGLI works toward this mission through endowment building, engaging strategic partners, and intentional community connections. For additional information about the CGLI, please visit thecgli.org.
About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.