Learning to Give (LTG), an endowed program of CMF, provides online tools and guidance to educators, youth leaders and families to educate, equip and empower youth as philanthropists.

LTG helps advance the skills, knowledge and actions of philanthropy and community engagement through literature, service, film and video, activity and lesson guides as well as by highlighting stories and key resources related to current events.

LTG is working in close partnership with several CMF members across the state to identify gaps and opportunities to support youth philanthropists. The recently established Youth Philanthropy Task Force, led by the guidance and counsel of CMF members, will identify new actionable connections and opportunities related to expanding youth philanthropy throughout Michigan. 

The Task Force includes CMF members from Bosch Community Fund, Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, Consumers Energy Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, The Kresge Foundation, Fremont Area Community Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. 

“We have representation from foundations and organizations across the state, with individuals who bring a variety of perspectives and experiences and a passion for engaging and informing youth,” said Betsy Peterson, director of LTG. 

In 2022 the Task Force will provide recommendations to equip CMF members and others with new models and avenues for empowering and educating all youth in skills, knowledge and behaviors of philanthropy. 

In addition to this work, LTG ambassadors and consultants are creating content centered on diversity, equity and inclusion through literature guides, a cultural competency guide and a new series of guides that prompt youth to learn more about the nonprofit resources in their communities. These new resources will be introduced in LTG’s newsletter this fall. 

This summer LTG is focusing on building out resources around culturally affirming social emotional learning (SEL) for social justice, led by their 2021 Teacher in Residence (TIR), through the support of the McGregor Fund.

This year, LTG’s TIR is Torie Anderson, a high school teacher in the Detroit Public School system. Peterson shared that Anderson is known for her peer modeling and passion for empowering youth voice. 

"We are creating these resources so those that those that use them can empower the young people they work with. SEL is authentic and impactful," said Anderson. 

Upon the completion of Anderson’s work LTG will hold two virtual fall trainings to introduce and demonstrate the culturally affirming SEL for social justice resources to educators and other youth leaders.

“LTG is working to build our shared future of an informed and generous community of young people ready to live a generous life or begin a career in the nonprofit sector,” Peterson said. 

Want more? 

Connect with Learning to Give.