Arlington Youth Philanthropy

ACF's Arlington Youth Philanthropy Initiative was started with a community conversation that brought together concerned civic representatives, members of county board, teachers and school administrators, parents, student leaders and heads of other educational, arts and charitable organizations. Seed funding for the initiative to establish the Fund for Youth Philanthropy was provided by a grant from the Ashton Heights Woman's Club.

With assistance from Ashoka's Youth Venture, youth project teams prepare a well-disciplined action plan and make a presentation to our Youth Board before grant funding is approved. The action plans include the goals, marketing plan, budget, and timeline of the proposed project. After the grant is approved, the Youth Board continues to monitor the project and receives periodic project reports on its progress.

The Youth Board is made up of student representatives from every Arlington High School and most of the area private schools, about 12 schools in all. The students serve as a link to their school communities to encourage the development of youth-led, youth-initiated projects. Students serve on the Board or one of its committees (Oversight and Management, Outreach or Sustainability/Fundraising). Click here to watch a video on the Arlington Youth Philanthropy Initiative.

Projects funded include the following:

CATT- (Community Awareness Team for Teens) a clearinghouse which matches students with the philanthropic needs in the community

DARTT- (Doing Art Together) a series of art classes for special needs kids

Crafts for a Cause makes and sells crafts to raise money and build awareness of Arlington charities.

Future Language Leaders encourages interest and study of critical foreign languages such as Chinese and Arabic through elementary age workshops

SUN- (Sandwiches Unite Neighbors) makes sandwiches monthly for Shirlington Employment Center and encourage awareness of immigrant community

KICS (Kids in Community Service)- grows garden vegetables and collects food for AFAC

Balloon Art teaches the art of making balloon animals and other structures and trains teens to entertain at birthday parties and other events.