Philanthropy is an important way to make the world a better place and Drug-Free Action Alliance believes that youth have a vital role in the process.  Young people are a current, not a future, source of insight and knowledge about issues affecting a community’s well-being. 

Youth who actively engage in philanthropic activities learn responsibility and citizenship in a very concrete way.  According to research, those individuals are more likely to embrace positive healthy lifestyles free of alcohol and drugs use and other destructive behaviors.

In 2004, Drug-Free Action Alliance created the Youth Philanthropy Council with funding support from the Ohio Elk’s Association and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.  The Youth Philanthropy Council consists of 8-12 carefully selected high school students from around the state.  Their training includes citizenship, leadership and how to objectively evaluate grant proposals and effectively award funding.

Each year, the Youth Council awards grants to youth groups through a competitive proposal process.  Projects are evaluated and awarded funds based on their potential to develop and implement effective alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention activities.

Click here for the 2010 Youth Philanthropy Grantees

Click here for the Youth Philanthropy Council Replication Toolkit