New Web site a clearinghouse for youth philanthropy information

It's the first Web site of its kind; the go-to place nationally for youth philanthropy programming and research. The site, National Youth Philanthropy Clearinghouse, was developed by Grand Valley State University's Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. The site is a single source location for youth philanthropy information.

“Over the course of 20 years the concept of ‘youth in philanthropy’ has matured so that there are enough resources to create such a clearinghouse of resources,” said Kathy Agard, executive director of the Johnson Center. “This Clearinghouse will serve as a voice for the emerging national movement of youth in philanthropy.”

The new site can be found at yip.npgoodpractice.org. The site will include links for youth philanthropy programs, youth grantmakers and legislative and public policy information.

The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia, has provided the initial funds to launch the site. Ongoing maintenance will be conducted by Johnson Center staff and students. The Johnson Center will look for additional funding and sponsorship to grow the site and resources on the clearinghouse.

“The National Youth Philanthropy Clearinghouse has been many years in the making,” said Pat Bjorhovde, CFRE, and coordinator for youth in philanthropy programs for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. “Individuals and organizations around the world will find the new clearinghouse to be invaluable as they continue their efforts to teach young people about the importance of giving and serving.”

Resources on the Web site will be organized by areas of interest such as education, service learning, professional development and volunteering. The clearinghouse will feature regular announcements, RSS feeds and a glossary of terms. The site will eventually contain interactive message boards, collaboration opportunities, volunteer matches and a catalogue of best practices.

“Establishment of this clearinghouse at Grand Valley is a most important step in the continued development of the youth and philanthropy movement,” said Dwight Burlingame, associate executive director for the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. “The Johnson Center is to be commended for taking the leadership in getting this important resource established.”

The Johnson Center for Philanthropy is a nonprofit academic center whose mission is to improve communities by the application of knowledge, which unleashes the power of nonprofits, foundations and individuals. For more information, visit their Web site at www.johnsoncenter.org .

For more information, contact Ashima Saigal at (616) 331-6412.