HISTORY
In 2002, YPI was created by founder Julie Toskan and formally established by the Toskan Casale Foundation, the original Canadian creators of MAC Cosmetics. Our values are rooted in the experience of the MAC AIDS Fund, when value-driven decisions were made to engage and empower the public to stand up for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
YPI’s model began as an idea: to strengthen support for local social issues by empowering young people to determine where grant dollars would be best put to use in their communities. Today, this model – community development achieved through youth engagement – now enjoys strong alignment with significant evidence-based research across academic journals, governmental priorities, and established and emerging theoretical frameworks for positive youth development.
VISION, MISSION & VALUES
YPI's vision is that "Youth are invested in their communities today, because we all need a better tomorrow". This vision reflects a commitment to engaging young people as key agents of positive change, fostering a strong sense of responsibility and belonging through active community involvement.
YPI's mission is to "Engage youth in philanthropic giving through experiential learning in high schools across Canada". By partnering with schools, YPI provides hands-on opportunities for students to learn about and participate in philanthropy, instilling a culture of generosity and empowering them to make a tangible impact.
Underpinning this work is a set of core values:
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Empowerment, encouraging student leadership and decision-making;
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Compassion, cultivating empathy through community engagement;
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Integrity, upholding strong ethical standards;
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Inclusivity, engaging diverse voices;
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Innovation, embracing creative approaches to education and social change.
Through this vision, mission and values, YPI is nurturing a generation of young philanthropists ready to build a better tomorrow.
BOARD
YPI Canada is privileged to have a dedicated Board of Directors who serve in a voluntary capacity, generously contributing their time, expertise, and passion to guide the organization's strategic direction and ensure its continued success. Our Board members bring a rich tapestry of experience from diverse sectors, including education, business, non-profit management, and philanthropy.
This wealth of knowledge and insight is invaluable in providing robust governance and oversight, ensuring that YPI remains true to its mission and values while navigating the evolving landscape of youth engagement and community impact.
TEAM
YPI's success is driven by its passionate team which includes a Program Director with over seven years of experience in education and a personal connection to YPI as an alumna, bringing a unique depth to fostering community building and a philanthropic mindset in young people. Additionally, the Operations, Systems, and Project Manager contributes more than 10 years of non-profit experience, having worked with school boards and various charities.
STRATEGIC PLAN
"SCALING FOR IMPACT" is the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative's strategic plan for the next five years, reflecting a strong commitment to amplifying the positive effects of YPI's work on students and communities nationwide. The plan emphasizes expanding YPI's programs while enhancing the depth and quality of each student's experience. YPI's inherently scalable model allows schools to seamlessly incorporate the program into their curricula, maintaining a focus on increasing student engagement and reaching as many schools as possible. Over the next five years, YPI aims to nurture a generation of compassionate, philanthropic leaders equipped to make informed decisions that benefit their communities.
IMPACT
The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) Impact Report for the 2023-2024 school year highlights the remarkable achievements of 13,888 students from 93 schools across Canada. Through their participation in YPI, these students report significant personal and social growth, gaining essential life skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking, along with an enhanced capacity for empathy. This, in turn, fuels their commitment to community engagement and social advocacy.
FINANCIALS
At YPI Canada, we believe that transparency is essential for building trust and fostering strong relationships with our supporters, partners, and the communities we serve. As part of our commitment to openness and accountability, we want to provide you with a clear understanding of our financial practices and the measures we take to ensure responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In the following sections, we will discuss our financial reporting, board member policies, and provide access to our most recent audited financial statement.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
For over two decades, YPI has been grounded in the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our work has always been about empowering young people to connect with their communities and advocate for marginalized groups, reflecting a deep and authentic commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.