Other Youth Grantmakers

Youth grantmakers aren't just found in community foundations. They can also be found in other types of foundations, United Ways, municipal youth councils, and school groups.

With more organizations recognizing that young people are capable of giving money away wisely, such programs will only increase. And youth engaged in important decision-making in their communities is a good thing, as youth grantmakers themselves will tell you...

In their own words

Cody Clark, age 11, C.I.C.K.

Cody Clark knows the importance of philanthropy and that you do not have to wait until you are an adult to make a difference in your community and ultimately our world. In fact, Cody has already been making a big difference in his hometown of Kemptville, Ontario for over three years!

So when he came across the yipcanada website, Cody contacted us to learn more about Youth in Philanthropy, and how he might get involved.

Cody is 11 years old and has his own organization called Cody's Individual Comfort Kits or C.I.C.K., which provides comfort kits to children and adults to ease the fear and discomfort of hospital procedures. Cody also raises funds and donates them to other important causes in his community.

Cody started the children's kits on in October 2002 at the age of 8. Now almost four years later, he has delivered about 50 kits a year, which is quite a lot for a small town! So, on July 31, 2006 there will be a celebration at Kemptville District Hospital when Cody delivers his 200th Children's Comfort Kit.

On hearing about Cody's work, Winkler, Manitoba YAC member Stacey Banman said "Cody sounds exactly like what YIP is here for and that he would be an incredible representative of everything YIP stands for!"

July 2006

Janusha J, age 16, Toronto Youth Cabinet

How long have you been involved with your group?

I've been involved with the Toronto Youth Cabinet for about five months, and I've already been involved in numerous events and teams within our council.

What do you feel you're getting out of being involved?
The Toronto Youth Cabinet has enlightened my perspective of youth in general. Through the TYC, I've come to realize that there are so many ways to give back to the community, and raise awareness of key issues affecting our daily lives. Overall, the number one lesson I take home with me after every TYC meeting, is that there is so much youth power among us, and all we have to do is use it.

Do you have a favourite grant that your group has given out?

There are so many organizations that we try and spotlight and support, that it is hard to choose just one. Just recently, we held an event called The Cause, which seeked to connect the youth of Toronto to organizations in need of community assistance.

Tell us something about yourself...

I'm completely addicted to writing. For as long as I can remember, I've been writing poems, short stories, and personal journals. I think everyone has their own preferred way of venting out their emotions, and putting a pen to paper has always worked for me.

What else would you like to tell people who are reading this?

If you have an idea, or if you are concerned about something going on in your community, do something about it. You'd be surprised what you can accomplish by just getting involved. The world is your oyster. What are you waiting for?

Submitted September 2005.