Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council (LYPC) provides hands-on philanthropic learning opportunities to young student leaders seeking to change the world. “By instilling philanthropic values and practices in our youth, we can cultivate compassion, drive civic engagement, and develop future leaders,” says LYPC Director Ina Miller. Since 2007, 387 students from 33 schools across three counties have granted over $275,000 to 51 nonprofits. With no limitations to participation, “LYPC is the only youth development program of its kind available to a broad cross-section of students in the region.”

Through 48 hours of coursework held over 16 Saturdays, students learn the importance of nonprofit organizations, how they function, and what they do to help empower underrepresented communities. According to Miller, “Each team acts like a nonprofit board, establishing its mission, interviewing potential grantees, conducting site visits, awarding a $5,000 grant, hosting a grantee celebration, and raising funds for future grant-making.” She attributes LYPC’s success to collaborative efforts of partners and supporters like Independence Bank, noting that they are “a staunch supporter of our program and students by providing opportunities for networking and learning.”

Louis R. Straub, II., Louisville Market President of Independence Bank, explains, “LYPC plays a priceless role in setting the stage for a heart for philanthropy in our youth while demonstrating the behind-the-scenes work that it takes to be a successful non-profit organization. Our youth are our future, and the future is worth our investment. That’s exactly what LYPC does. They invest in our youth so that our youth can in turn invest in our communities.”

To get involved, contact LYPC through lypc.org.

Originally published in TOPS Louisville, March 2023