Roger Grein had always been a philanthropist, but it wasn't until 2002 that he expanded his reach to college students.
Grein launched a student philanthropy program, known today as
Magnified Giving, at various colleges and universities to help students learn about philanthropy by awarding grant money to local organizations of their choosing. When he found that it worked well for college students, he trickled the program down to the high school level.
This year's group of students will award grant money to their chosen nonprofit recipients in two more ceremonies on May 9 and 11 at the Mayerson JCC after a first event April 26.
Magnified Giving allows teachers and administration to best fit the initiative with their existing curriculum, whether it’s through a class or after-school club. Students decide on a barrier they want to study or an agency they’re interested in, and each group cross-educates on its topic — homelessness, hunger, veterans affairs, etc. From there, the class decides who gets the grant.
Teachers and students can shape their philanthropy to what they want it to look like.
“We're educating the next generation and exposing teenagers to community needs,” Magnified Giving Executive Director Kelly Collison says. “All of the stories touch their hearts and minds so that they can make great change. It gives students the chance to learn lifelong lessons while doing it.”
Each school is given $1,000 and is encouraged to raise additional money. Magnified Giving will match up to an additional $250 of what is raised for the chosen organizations or agencies.
Currently, Magnified Giving has 350 registered social service agencies in its system.
“Kids become very passionate about how blessed they are,” Collison says. “They want their work to matter. It really resonates with youth once they have a platform to stand on.”
Do Good:
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RSVP to attend the May 9 or May 11 awards ceremony at Mayerson JCC, 8485 Ride Road, Amberley Village.
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Donate to support Magnified Giving’s mission.
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Volunteer your time to a cause you’re passionate about.
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