The transformative power
of youth-led giving
Every year, tens of thousands of high school students across Canada participate in The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative. Through YPI's innovative curriculum, students research local social issues and charities, and advocate for a $5,000 grant to be directed to the charity of their choice.
In the process, they develop important skills, challenge stigma, change behaviours, and provide critical support to millions of people in need. To date, YPI has granted over $20 million to charities selected by youth.
Making Faces is one of the many charities students selected to receive a $5,000 grant.
Discover this wonderful organization helping children with facial differences.
The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative teaches secondary school students the fundamentals of philanthropy by giving students the opportunity to play a direct role in making a financial grant to a local, grassroots social service organization in their own community.
YPI’s next chapter with Community Foundations of Canada
We are pleased to share that the Toskan Charitable Foundation and Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) are working together to explore the next chapter of the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative in Canada.
Since 2002, YPI has brought philanthropy to life in the classroom. The program gives high school students an opportunity to learn about the needs in their communities, connect with local charities and direct real grant dollars to causes they care about. Over more than two decades, YPI has engaged students, educators and charitable organizations in communities across Canada and Scotland.
YPI’s approach strongly reflects what CFC and the community foundation network value: young people at the centre, deep local knowledge, meaningful community relationships and opportunities for people to help shape the places they call home.
CFC connects more than 200 community foundations across the country. These foundations are rooted in their communities and bring strong relationships with local organizations, funders and community leaders. This network creates an opportunity to build on YPI’s success and bring its powerful approach to youth engagement and community philanthropy to more young people.
As CFC prepares to carry YPI forward, it will connect with community foundations, educators, students, charities and other partners to learn from their experiences and help shape the program’s next chapter. This collaborative approach will honour what has made YPI successful while opening new possibilities for its future.
To the students, educators, charities, funders and supporters who have shaped YPI over the past two decades: thank you. Your commitment has built a strong foundation for the program, and we are excited to carry that work forward together.
We look forward to sharing more in the months ahead.
Questions?
Contact Community Foundations of Canada at info@communityfoundations.ca
EDUCATORS
Bring YPI to your school and empower your students with 21st century skills through our accessible educational resources and support.
STUDENTS
Learn how you can make a real difference in your community through YPI's student-driven philanthropy program.
SUPPORTERS
Join a network of supporters committed to youth engagement. Your donations are crucial to sustaining YPI's mission of empowering youth and supporting local charities.
CHARITIES
Find out how your charity can benefit from YPI's grants and youth advocacy to expand your mission and impact.
SPOTLIGHT ON
MARINA SPALLA,
YPI's Program Director
YPI is powered by incredible people who bring the program to life every day—our staff and board members, teachers, students, donors, and other dedicated supporters. From time to time, we shine a light on someone whose story reflects the heart of our mission.
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Program Director Marina Spalla brings over seven years of experience in education, spanning elementary to post-secondary levels. But what makes Marina’s journey especially meaningful is that she’s also a proud YPI alumna.
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Her story is proof of YPI’s lasting impact: inspired by her own high school experience with the program, Marina chose a career in the charitable sector—a decision rooted in the values of empathy, community, and purpose that YPI helped spark.
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Today, Marina leads YPI’s programming with the same passion that first brought her to the initiative as a student. Her commitment to youth, philanthropy, and community-building is evident in everything she does.
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