Local students chosen for Philanthropy Committee

The Putnam County Community Foundation has announced the selection of new members of the Youth Philanthropy Committee.

Seven local high school students will join the four youth and three adults already on the committee.

The students were chosen through a competitive application and interview process and represent students who want to learn about philanthropy, be a student leader, and serve the Putnam County community.

The following students were selected: Katie Fulkerson, Cloverdale High School; Mary Pearl Ivy, Rebecca Moore and Nate Secrest, all of Greencastle; Tari Straziscar, North Putnam; and Katherine Spencer and Sam Gould, both of South Putnam.

The students will join the following youth members who will continue to serve on the committee: Olivia Humphreys, Greencastle; Jared James, North Putnam; Cameron Mann, Cloverdale; and Emma Young, South Putnam.

Joining the students on the committee by Putnam County Community Foundation Board Members James Ensley and Brad Hayes, along with Director of Community Development Dean Gambill.

The Youth Philanthropy Committee has also elected its new leadership for 2011-12. Mann, a senior at Cloverdale High School, was elected as youth chairman. Spencer will be secretary, Gould will serve as treasurer, and James will be the publicity officer.

Members of the Youth Philanthropy Committee complete a group service project, learn about local non-profits and endowments, and conduct a fundraiser for the Youth Philanthropy Endowment. In addition, the committee grants $5,000 a year to local youth-led service projects that benefit Putnam County youth.

Grant applications from local youth wanting to make a difference in their community through service projects are reviewed monthly.

Youth interested in receiving a grant for their service project idea may submit a simple grant application, which can be downloaded at www.pcfoundation.org. Deadlines are the first of each month. Applicants are encouraged to discuss projects with Foundation staff to determine eligibility. Any student, elementary through college-aged, is eligible to apply.

To learn more about Youth Philanthropy grants, how to become a member of the committee, or how to give to these efforts, persons may contact Community Development Director Gambill at 653-4978 or www.pcfoundation.org.