Youth Philanthropy Program Grants

A high school student-led grant-making program that educates students about the philanthropic process while awarding grants to support needs identified by Bexley staff and students.

Geographic Scope: Bexley, Ohio - Bexley High School and Middle School

Focus Areas:

• Student-identified educational needs
• Technology and creative projects
• Student leadership and mentorship
• Arts and culture
• Classroom improvements
• Student engagement initiatives
• Social-emotional learning (No Place for Hate)
• Civic engagement and legislative awareness

Eligible Applicants: Bexley High School and Middle School staff and students

Program Structure:

• High school juniors and seniors participate as grant makers
• Learning phase: Students hear from local nonprofit leaders and grant makers (fall semester learning lunches)
• Review phase: Student review teams meet with applicants and make funding recommendations
• Award phase: Students select grant recipients following applicant presentations

Recent Award Examples (2024-2025, $3,175 total):

• $1,000 - Stipends for high school student mentors for summer band camp
• $700 - Bexleo special effects photography
• $575 - Felt wall tiles for high school social studies classroom acoustics
• $700 - Student-led No Place for Hate activities
• $200 - Student civic engagement/legislative testimony learning

Previous Year Award Examples (2023-2024, ~$5,000 total):

• Math classroom technology upgrade
• Art installation (Toqapus symbols)
• Women in STEM Club
• BMS outing to "The Outsiders" musical
• Middle school 3-D printing and design club

Funding Source: Charlene Morgan Emerging Leaders Endowment Fund

Contact Information:

• Phone: (614) 338-2093
• Address: 348 S Cassingham Rd, Columbus, OH 43209

How to Apply

The application process involves several phases:

1. Nomination/Application Phase
   • Staff and students submit grant applications (typically fall/early spring)
   • Applicants prepare presentations describing their project or need
2. Student Review Process
   • Bexley High School juniors and seniors serve as grant review committee members
   • Student review teams meet with applicants to discuss proposals
   • Students make funding recommendations based on presentations
3. Award Selection
   • Student grant makers review all recommendations and presentations
   • Students vote on final funding awards
   • Winners are notified and awards are distributed

Key Details:

• Specific application deadlines vary by year (contact foundation for current timeline)
• Required format: Verbal presentation to student review committee
• Applicants meet with student reviewers prior to final selection