8 Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Grants totaling $11,985 were awarded in 2024.

Bloomington Public Library – $1,987
“Author’s Visit with Children’s Author Natasha Tarpley” – To provide District 87’s Sheridan School students, their families and the Bloomington-Normal community a visit with children’s author Natasha Tarpley, including a Q&A session.

Girl Scouts of Central Illinois – $1,250
“Girl Scout Outreach Program – DeWitt County” – To encourage well-being and bolster confidence, communication skills and peer collaboration for girls in DeWitt County; as girls continue to experience a mental health crisis, the program creates additional resources for those most at-risk.

Jump4Joy Squad – $987
“2024 Summer Camp” – To fund a free summer camp for youth interested in discovering the joy of exercising by jumping rope while building relationships with families.

Kingsley Junior High School Drama Club – $2,000
“KJHS Drama Club” – To provide students the opportunity to perform in or work behind the scenes of a spring show while learning preparedness, commitment and technical skills and establish positive relationships with like-minded peers; grant to purchase production equipment.

McLean County Children’s Advocacy Center – $1,800
“Child Safety Matters: A Day at the Zoo” – For a one-day event allowing local children to participate in learning activities and have fun at Miller Park Zoo, while local social service agencies spread child abuse awareness and promote prevention throughout the community.

Project Oz – $500
“Confidently Curly” – To teach girls of color to embrace and care for their natural hair; participants learn about their hair type, how to maintain/style it, and the history of Black hair, while also building self-confidence and positive connections.

Sonshine Daycare – $1,174
“Internet Installation, Service and Device” – To enable internet connection and service, plus purchase of an iPad device to use in 2- and 3-year-old classroom, thereby expanding learning experiences and opportunities.

Vespasian Warner Public Library – $2,287
“Kid Corner at Vespasian Warner Public Library” – To create a Kid Corner space for youth in grades 3-6 that is safe, welcoming and fun; grant to purchase new seating that can be used for reading, gaming and social time.