Making a difference

Youth Philanthropy Committee member Amber Minor presents $500 to First Christian Church for Boy Scout Troop #99 to complete their service project at Big Walnut Sports Park.

GREENCASTLE -- The Putnam County Community Foundation and the Youth Philanthropy Committee announced two youth philanthropy grants were recently awarded to the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, Troop No. 10059 and First Christian Church on behalf of Boy Scout Troop No. 99.

The Girl Scouts were awarded $500 to purchase mulch for under the playground equipment at Tzouanakis Intermediate School, where they hold their meetings. The Boy Scouts received a $500 grant to plant trees at Big Walnut Sports Park. These groups of young people are leading projects that make our community safer and more beautiful.

These two grants were made possible through the community foundation's Youth Philanthropy Committee. The Youth Philanthropy Committee reviews grant applications from local youth wanting to make a difference in their community through service projects, but also conduct service themselves when they see a pressing need.

Amber Minor presents $500 to the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana for Troop No. 10059 service project at Touzanakis school.

Youth interested in receiving a grant for their service project idea may submit a simple grant application, which can be found at www.pcfoundation.org. Deadlines are the first of each month and applicants are encouraged to discuss projects with community foundation staff to determine eligibility.

High school-aged youth interested in applying to be a member of the committee may do so April 1.

For questions about the Youth Philanthropy program or its grants, contact Eric Wolfe, community development director, at 765-653-4978.