YIPEE

Youth in Philanthropy Encouraging Excellence

Youth in Philanthropy Encouraging Excellence – or YIPEE, for short – is a program for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in a hands-on learning experience that empowers students to engage in community awareness and charitable giving.

Students identify issues facing children and teenagers that they would like to address, learn about local youth-serving organizations, and raise and allocate funds to regional non-profits to address those needs.

YIPEE is possible thanks to the generosity of:

Greater Toledo Community Foundation logo

Goals & Objectives

  • Build leadership skills that position students for success throughout and beyond high school

  • Develop a better understanding of the needs faced by our community and the organizations that are addressing those needs

  • Cultivate a sense of community engagement and social responsibility

  • See firsthand the measurable impact of charitable giving by addressing the needs of the greater Toledo community

  • Feel empowered to make a positive impact by putting their leadership skills into action

  • Develop a network of friends and connections from schools across the region

  • Have fun!

Outcomes

  • Hands-On Philanthropy Experience – Students actively participate in grantmaking, learning how to evaluate funding requests and allocate resources to impactful youth-serving organizations.

  • Leadership & Decision-Making Skills – Participants develop critical thinking and teamwork skills as they assess community needs and make meaningful funding decisions.

  • Community Awareness & Engagement – By identifying key issues affecting youth, students gain a deeper understanding of local challenges and how nonprofits work to address them.

  • Fundraising & Financial Responsibility – Students raise and distribute funds, gaining valuable experience in fundraising, budgeting, and responsible charitable giving.

  • Foundation for Lifelong Philanthropy – YIPEE instills a lasting commitment to volunteerism and civic engagement, preparing students to be future community leaders and changemakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I get involved? Is there a fee?Contact Nickie Susdorf (nicole@leadershiptoledo.org) to register. There is NO cost to participate thanks to our generous donors and partners.

  • What is the commitment?

    We ask that students attend as many meetings and events as possible throughout the school year. YIPEE meets once per month on Sunday afternoons. We also expect for students to communicate clearly and intentionally with other group members, Leadership Toledo staff, and volunteers.

  • Do I need fundraising experience to join YIPEE?

    None at all! We’ll help you build that skillset.

  • Do I have to raise money in order to be in YIPEE?

    No! We encourage students to take part in fundraising activities and provide a network of contacts for them to utilize, however it is not required.

Questions? Contact Nickie Susdorf