YOUTHadelphia: Youth In Philanthropy Advisory Committee
Application Form
YOUTHadelphia is the Youth Advisory Committee of the Philadelphia Foundation's Fund for Children. The
mission of YOUTHadelphia is to give Philadelphia teens opportunities to build youth leadership through
philanthropy and civic engagement. YOUTHadelphia provides grants for youth-led and youth-engaged projects
that support Philadelphia teens.
During this unique teen philanthropy program, youth from across Philadelphia meet weekly to get to know one
another, discuss their communities and how they can make a difference, and not only learn about philanthropy
but engage in it. Supported by two adult advisors, members have opportunities to see many Philadelphia
nonprofit organizations for the first time or in a new light. Together YOUTHadelphia members share
responsibility for the success of the program. Each meeting has a different goal, but all involve learning,
leadership and laughter!
Dinner and tokens are provided at every meeting.
Fall YOUTHadelphia:
 Meets every Thursday, except Thanksgiving, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. from September through December, in
addition to two Saturday meetings during this timeframe.
 Is comprised of 12-14 Philadelphia teens
 Makes five grants of up to $10,000
 Applicants to the Fall board will be contacted in August for interviews
Spring YOUTHadelphia
 Meets every Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. from January through June.
 Is comprised of 20-22 Philadelphia teens
 Makes ten grants of up to $5,000
 Applicants to the Spring board will be contacted in November for interviews
“We are extremely engaged because we are the ones who make the decisions."
- Ayanna Shepherd, YOUTHadelphia Member
"This year overall for me was a success because I was able to make new friends, to get an in-depth
experience about the grant making process, and I was able to make progress in the process of becoming a
better public speaker."
- Dave Joseph, YOUTHadelphia Member
“Everyone has a say. Everyone's opinion matters. Everyone can be a leader"
- John Macri, YOUTHadelphia Member
“Comes with two amazing mentors. Life changing. Needs to be described as an important experience.”
- Maureen Smith, YOUTHadelphia Member
All applicants will be invited to The Philadelphia Foundation for an interview with a returning YOUTHadelphia
member. Applicants will be contacted by a returning YOUTHadelphia member to schedule the interview.
YOUTHadelphia members will make final decisions. If you have any questions please contact Libby O’Donnell
at 215-863-8123 or lodonnell@philafound.org.
For which YOUTHadelphia Committee are you applying? (Circle one)
FALL (meets September to December)
or
SPRING (meets January to June)
Provide the Best Way to Contact You (PLEASE PRINT):
Name: ___________________________________________________________ Age: ___________
(Please also include the name you would prefer to be called, if it is different than your given name.)
Phone Number: (______) ______________________
Cell
Home
E-mail: ____________________________________________________ Sex: Male ____ Female ____
Address: __________________________________________________________________________
(Number & Street)
(City)
(State)
(Zip)
Birth Date: _______________________________ Ethnicity: __________________________________
School: _________________________________________________________ Grade: _____________
How did you find out about YOUTHadelphia: ______________________________________________
Because we provide food for meetings, please list any food allergies or restrictions you may have:
____________________________________________________________________________________
Reference Name(s): _________________________________________________________
(i.e. a representative from your organization, teacher, counselor, employer, minister/rabbi/priest, etc.).
Phone Number: (______) ______________________
Cell
Home
Work
E-mail: ________________________________________________
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name(s): _________________________________________________________
Phone Number: (______) ______________________
Cell
Home
E-mail: ________________________________________________
Work
We Want to Know More About You (PLEASE PRINT) *USE ADDITIONAL PAPER AS NEEDED*
What interests you about becoming a member of YOUTHadelphia? What do you want to gain?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
What are you passionate about? Why?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
As teens in Philadelphia what challenges do you and your friends face? What would make things better?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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Philanthropy is donating one’s time, talent or treasure. Where or how do you see Philanthropy in your
community?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
YOUTHadelphia is committed to welcoming teens with various levels of experience and
involvement in their community. For the following questions all answers are good
answers. Think about school groups, after school activities, community programs, jobs,
and sports teams.
List any activities you will be involved with during the fall (September – December) Please list the days
and times the group(s) meet:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
List any activities you will be involved with during the spring (January – June). Please list the days and
times the group(s) meet:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Requirements:
1. A personal letter of recommendation using the attached form (i.e. from a representative from your
organization, teacher, counselor, employer, minister/rabbi/priest, etc.).
a. If you are unable to acquire a letter of recommendation please explain why. We want to
welcome all to apply, even those who cannot get an adult to write a letter.
2. A short interview with returning YOUTHadelphia members and an advisor. Interviews will take place
at The Philadelphia Foundation offices, and tokens for transportation will be provided.
a. Include the days and times you would be available for an interview.
__________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
___
Please submit this application via email or US mail to Libby O’Donnell:
The Philadelphia Foundation/YOUTHadelphia
Attention: Libby O’Donnell, Associate Program Officer
1234 Market Street, Suite 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19107
lodonnell@philafound.org, 215-863-8123 (phone) 215-563-6882 (fax)
Signature _____________________________________________________ Date _________________
Parent or Guardian Signature ______________________________________ Date _________________
To be completed by the applicant’s reference:
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR APPLICATION TO YOUTHadelphia
Youth In Philanthropy Advisory Committee
Applicant Name __________________________________________________________________
The above-named student is applying to The Philadelphia Foundation, YOUTHadelphia Youth Advisory
Committee. YOUTHadelphia promotes youth civic engagement and philanthropy among youth in the city
of Philadelphia. Each year, YOUTHadelphia will award grants to youth-led projects. We would greatly
appreciate your help in our selection process. Please evaluate this student, particularly her/his sensitivity
and tolerance, concern for others, potential for leadership, energy, and sense of responsibility. Include
specific examples if appropriate.
Please submit the letter of recommendation via email or US mail to Libby O’Donnell:
The Philadelphia Foundation
YOUTHadelphia
Attention: Libby O’Donnell, Associate Program Officer
1234 Market Street, Suite 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-863-8123 (phone) 215-563-6882 (fax)
lodonnell@philafound.org
If you have any questions, please contact Libby O’Donnell using the above contact information.