Philanthropy Gets Smarter When Youth Direct Where Funds Flow feat. Josh Lee

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of involving young people in philanthropy and funding decisions.

What happens when philanthropy stops assuming young people are not ready to lead and starts trusting them when it matters most? In this episode, co-hosts Glen Galaich and Ralph Lewin, Executive Director of the Peter E. Haas Jr. Family Fund, bust open a fake rule that assumes young people do not know enough to help shape the future of our democracy. Together, they reflect on their own first experiences making grants, what philanthropy misses when it decides what is best for young people without them, and why involving youth in funding decisions can strengthen both grantmaking and democracy. They are joined by Josh Lee, director of the Youth Power Fund, a California collaborative fund where young people do not just advise on funding decisions, they drive them. Josh makes the case for involving young people where it matters most: where resources are allocated. 💡Josh Lee: Contrary to what we might think, young people, in my opinion, are not the leaders of tomorrow. They're leading right now, today. Learn more about Youth Power Fund and how they are working to ensure more young people, the Boldest Among Us , can shape funding decisions, build power, and drive change in their…

People in this episode

Hosts: Glen Galaich, Ralph Lewin

Guest: Josh Lee

Topics covered

• philanthropy
• youth leadership
• grantmaking
• democracy
• funding decisions

Keywords

• philanthropy
• youth
• funding
• democracy
• grantmaking
• leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Peter E. Haas Jr. Family Fund, Youth Power Fund, Stupski Foundation

Books & works: CONTROL: Why Big Giving Falls Short

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