Class Updates — Main Street Philanthropy

Check Delivery in Wisconsin!

October 21, 2016 by Superintendent Leave a Comment

A few months back, a group of students in Kewaskum, WI had the opportunity to deliver checks to local on-profit organizations. Led by MSP Ambassador, Dona Miotke, and supported by The Silbernagel Group and many local businesses, the students embarked on their 10-week journey of self discovery, analysis, fundraising, and group interaction, they were rewarded with the gift of giving! As one student shared in her blog,

“It was really awesome to see the people at the charities faces when our class delivered each check. It made me proud that all of our hard work actually paid off just by seeing how happy this one check made people. I’m really glad that I could be apart of this experience. When we went to the Washington County Humane Society they were so shocked to see how big our check was. I know they will use that money for great use.” – Samantha W

Another shared,

“When we delivered the checks to the organizations on Friday, it made me feel like I was making a difference in people’s lives. It was great to see how grateful the recipients were and that made me feel proud of everything our group did while fundraising the money we were giving to the organizations.” – Lexie S.

and another!

“Giving the money to the organizations made me feel a sense of accomplishment in knowing what we did was going to help others out in various ways. I felt very good about what the class did and It made me feel better as a person to give the money that our group worked hard to raise. It is nice to see hard work turn out into nice results.” – Nathan H.

Can you see the trend? These students are doing things for people and causes other than themselves, they worked extremely hard to be able to do so, and they have a sense of pride, accomplishment, and gratitude for the opportunity! Many of the next generation as a group of very self-centered individuals, but it’s just not true – they are growing, learning, and living through giving!

Would you like to see more students impacted through this type of an experience? Support Main Street Philanthropy as we lead high school students through a journey in living, giving, and intelligent financial decision making; inspiring the next generation of philanthropists, changing the hears and minds of those who give!

Filed Under: Class Updates

Thoughtful Notes from Harmony High

June 11, 2015 by Ryan Ponsford Leave a Comment

Over the past two months, a group of 23 students from Harmony High in Florida have been on their philanthropic journey, led by Scott Farnsworth, one of our founders and a wonderful advisor to families in the Orlando area. Throughout their adventure, the students share their experience through their blog writing. Here are a few of their comments throughout the program….

“From the non-profit panel I learned that it is very important to talk with a representative or board member of an organization before donating because you get a true understanding of the organization and of the people running it. Sitting down and taking to someone in person helps to get a feel for the passion behind the organization and the reason it exists rather than a hollow description on a computer screen. I am learning that it takes a lot of effort to fundraise money and now I am starting to appreciate and recognize the hard work that goes in to it.”

“The MAD cards were fun to use. It was hard to decide what we’re only 5 main things I cared the most about. I learned that I cared most about children. I learned that a lot of people in our class cared so deeply about many different causes.”

“I was so excited to deliver the check to our organization.Having all the organizations come in to receive the donations and seeing their reactions was amazing. It felt so good donating and raising money with my group.I really enjoyed participating in Main Street Philanthropy again it was a fun and great experience. I wish I could be back next year to participate again but this will help me continue to give back and it encourages me to do so. This whole experience was life changing no matter how many times you go through it you always learn something new. I really enjoyed working with the Medical Marvels and donating to the Ronald McDonald house of charities.”

I learned the multiple ways to evaluate an investment of a company. With today’s modern society there is plenty of ways to check the background of a company like checking their website, call, or email. For my group it was easy for us to go talk to them personally before looking up on a website since they are located at the school! I find that it is relatively easy to evaluate a non profit organization because all company’s must post their numbers and information.

“I interviewed my mother because I felt like it was important for me to learn about her past and what shaped her in to the person that she is today. One thing she said that surprised me was a problem in the world that she would fix, which was starvation in children. It surprised me because I didn’t know that was something she was passionate about. I learned that my mother has a very broad set of things she’s passionate about and things she would change in the world today.”

There are so many more wonderful thoughts and quotes that could be shared from this class! Once again, I’m amazed by the growth and thoughtful nature of this next generation of philanthropists. Please join us in congratulating them and encouraging them to continue on their journey of generosity!

Filed Under: Class Updates, Main Street Philanthropy

The End – A noteworthy journal entry

January 10, 2015 by Ryan Ponsford Leave a Comment

As you all know by now, as students go through Main Street Philanthropy, they are encouraged to blog each week about their experience – what they’re learning, the impact the course is having, etc. The number of incredible insights is way beyond our ability to share each and every one, but here and there we extract and share them.

This particular blog entry was written by a student from our MSP class in New Jersey. Read it, enjoy it, and if you feel so inclined, share your thoughts, or even consider supporting other students’ ability to participate in Main Street Philanthropy!

The End

I cannot believe it is already over. It feels as if I was just walking into the Key Club room for the first session of Main Street Philanthropy where I met Mr. Levey and received my sacred course book. This journal will act as a reflection on all my work and progress through this course as well as a look to the future.

The thing I will remember most about Main Street Philanthropy will be the people. The reason I love activities like this is because it is a place to meet similar minded service lovers. Talking with others who had the same passions and visions as me was invigorating. Knowing that my concerns were not singular was comforting. A valuable lesson I learned during these weeks was how to handle my money when giving to charities. For me philanthropy has always meant doing service and giving time to a cause. Now that I earn my own funds through jobs, I want to be able to donate smartly, making sure that the money I give is being used wisely and towards the actual cause of the organization. I know that the experience I had with this course only got me more enthusiastic about donating my time and money towards causes I am concerned about.

If I was to give advice to a nonprofit organization looking to receive support from a philanthropist I would say a key factor is solid communication. If an organization returns calls and emails, and has dedicated members who are willing to explain and answer questions about their cause, people are more likely to volunteer and donate.

To others who are considering the Main Street Philanthropy Course– I say DO IT!!! It never hurts to try something you are curious about, or interested in, because you never know the positive results you can gain from a unique opportunity such as this. Programs like this one do not exist everywhere, and getting the chance to be a part of one is quite special. I can guarantee that people of all types and interests kind find a takeaway from this course, whether thats learning more about yourself, donations, charities, worldly causes, team work or planning a fundraiser.

I would rather be given $25 to keep than $250 to give away. Now I know this answer seems selfish but the reason I would rather be given funds is because when donating you get no control over where your money is going and you are not included in the process of it being used to help a cause. If I was given $25 of my own I would use it towards creating my own event to support a cause I care about. For example, last year I created a Battle of the Bands at my school on a budget of $0, lots of planning, and a great support system, and we raised over $800! It is possible that with $25 more than $250 could be raised and during the process you can have the power over where your money is going and who it is impacting. I know at the beginning of this course I would have chosen option b, to donate $250, because at first glance it seems like the better answer. But what Main Street Philanthropy gets you to do, is think deeper and harder about the change one can create, and become more creative with what resources you are presented.

~Ilina G., High School Student and Philanthropist

Thank you Ilina for your insight, your wisdom, and participation in Main Street Philanthropy! It’s young adults like you that give us the confidence that there is hope for our future! There are capable minds to lead us now and in the future. Keep up the great work!

Filed Under: charitable giving, Class Updates, financial literacy

Changing Lives in South Florida

September 24, 2014 by Ryan Ponsford Leave a Comment

We recently received a very heartfelt letter from the mother of a Main Street Philanthropy student in South Florida. In it, she eloquently described how her teenager had been changed from the inside out as a result of the thoughtful giving he experienced in the Main Street Philanthropy program. She wrote,

The conversation my son and I had the day his Main Street Philanthropy group visited the charities they selected to help was one of the best, and at the same time, most heart wrenching conversations I have ever had with him. He was moved to tears telling me all about the people served by those charities.

Although he was very happy that his philanthropy group was able to help these people in a small way, he was also distraught that there were children who, through no fault of their own, found themselves and their families living in the Pat Reeves Center for homeless families.

My son told me that his experiences that day made him realize how much he took for granted that he had a roof over his head, his own bedroom to sleep in each night, and a kitchen always stocked with food. He felt very guilty for what he had, in comparison to the people he saw that day.

He was deeply moved by the experience and vowed to make a difference in the lives of people less fortunate than him. He said the Main Street Philanthropy class was the best experience he has had in his 3 years of high school.

As we’ve seen with each group of students in the MSP program, purposeful philanthropy has the power to transform lives from the inside out. Thank you for supporting Main Street Philanthropy as we educate and inspire the next generation of philanthropists!

Master Ambassador and Co-Founder Scott Farnsworth preparing future philanthropists!

Filed Under: charitable giving, Class Updates, Main Street Philanthropy

Another batch of inspired philanthropists released!

May 7, 2014 by Ryan Ponsford Leave a Comment

In a moving celebration and ceremony last week, over 50 new graduates of The Main Street Philanthropy Academy from Clairemont High School’s Academy of Business in San Diego were awarded their certificates, recognizing them for completing the 10-week course in giving with purpose and passion!

The day consisted of several speeches from students, over $4,000 given to charities, incredible words of encouragement, and an abundance of new found hope and confidence in our youth, our future leaders.

John Loomer of the Homeless Veterans Services shared, “it touches my heart to see the outpouring of care and passion in this room…. You kids are a step ahead of so many people in the world, since you now know the value of caring and sharing.”

Several of the students shared their personal stories of why they selected specific causes, how events had impacted their lives, and what it meant to them to be able to support an organization that meant so much to them.

In more than one occasion, tears streamed down faces as we all experienced a moment of what it means to give. We got a glimpse of the joy one experiences from making an impact in someone else’s life. We felt the understanding that giving truly does affect the hearts and minds of those who give, perhaps more so than those who receive.

We’re so proud of our new graduates and look forward to watching them continue to make a difference in their communities and in the world!

MSP has really changed me. A few weeks ago, I never thought of contributing to a charity. Now I’m a certified PHILANTHROPIST!!!! I’m a junior in high school and already have a semi-professional title. The feeling of knowing I have accomplished something this big, is just mind blowing to me. I already know more about taxes than most adults. So basically this program is giving me the opportunity to tackle life and quick. – Khalid

It started with MAD Cards (Make a Difference)!

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I couldn’t even say the word philanthropy or know how to spell it until Ryan came in and told us about it. He gave us Make A Difference cards to see different causes that needed help. He told us to choose our top three cards and I chose Family Services, Animal Care and Environmental Disaster. Choosing the MAD cards was a new experience and taught me that there are a lot of problems in the world. I hope to gain the experience of being the one person to make a difference in others’ lives.- Ronson

Continued over weeks and weeks of having to listen to an MSP Ambassador, Ryan Ponsford….

What I learned while creating our Purpose, Vision, and Mission Statements was that each one was a link to one another. For instance, when they told us to make a purpose statement it shows why you would dedicate your time to a cause and how it is important to you. Now that you see how you have a purpose for what you want to dedicate your time for, the vision statement is telling people what you wish to see in the future while helping the cause you want. From there, the mission statement is telling people what you will do to help your cause and get you closer to your goal. – Jacqueline

The 6th week was inspirational. We got to see a video clip about an elder lady who had lots of money saved, which she donated it all to things she felt close to. This taught me that you can still give to people no matter if it’s money or assistance. Whether you are poor or rich you can still change lives. – Alex W

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Awesome leaders from non-profit organizations came in to

speak with us and answer tough questions…

We had to make calls to strangers to see if they were interested in what we were doing. What I found from calling organizations is that some of them seemed ecstatic to meet you and talk to you while others seemed to be having a bad day. –Diana

Students presented their findings, who they selected, and what they learned….

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Taxes: To me this section of MSP has been the most eye opening. Not only did I love crunching the numbers to change quantitative data to qualitative I also found that at the rate my organization was spending their money they weren’t very responsible and careful. For me in the future when I do more philanthropy I’m definitely going to ask for the 990 tax document because you can really get a lot of info out of it and without doing it you could just be throwing cash at someone who isn’t really helping anyone but themselves. –Gavin K

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My Experience in discovering my purpose, vision, and mission has been eye opening to say the least. Starting this M.S.P project has made me realize that philanthropy is not just signing a check for some random charity (well, for some “Philanthropists” it is) but there is a lot of research and care that goes into choosing the right organization making sure your dollar goes a long way. – Arthur

We piled into a bus, and drove around San Diego, visiting organizations, handing out checks!

Finally, in front of local organizations, teachers, and community members, students gave speeches about their experience, organizations received investments in their causes, tears were shed, and everyone in attendance received a healthy dose of hope.

“What this did for me, more than anything, was give me hope. With my own kids in high school, I see the challenges they face, the daily opportunities to make poor decisions, and all of the negative influences in the world. This program can and will change that in the lives of these students. I’m encouraged that there’s hope for our future.” – Gary S., Community member, business owner

With all that’s wrong with our world, there is a generation in the making that is compelled to do wonderful things in their communities. Students are eager to tune out the negative, change their perspective from inward to outward, and make a lasting positive difference in the world.

Please join us in congratulating this next cohort of

philanthropists and future community leaders!

Filed Under: Class Updates, Main Street Philanthropy

Two is More than One!

January 10, 2014 by Ryan Ponsford Leave a Comment

Main Street Philanthropy is back in Clairemont High School’s Academy of Business!

After making waves in San Diego in 2013, Main Street Philanthropy has been invited back to Clairemont High; this time to lead two classes of juniors through the joys of intelligent giving.

Beginning in January, students will embark on a ten week journey, led by MSP Ambassador Ryan Ponsford, in which they are taught the principles of becoming philanthropists. They will learn that true philanthropy is not just about money, but about the simple love of humankind. They will sort through colorful Make a Difference (MAD) cards to determine their personal passions for how they’d like to affect change in the world. Working in teams, these ambitious students will identify local nonprofit organizations that support their causes, then apply investment principles of qualitative and quantitative analysis to determine which are most likely to make an impact with their donor-provided philanthropic dollars. Also raising a chunk of money on their own, they will then embark on an adventure to visit and hand deliver checks to worthy organizations.

What’s to be expected on the other side of this bridge? Here you’ll find 50 budding philanthropists, trained and armed with skills to lead future groups of givers. You’ll be introduced to purposeful givers that can quantify the impact of their charitable investments. You’ll meet a group of young men and women that have experienced and become infected with the joys of intelligent giving. Armed with communication skills, financial principles, a sense of purpose, and a dose of inspiration; these are our future leaders.

See you on the other side!!

Filed Under: Class Updates, Main Street Philanthropy

Updates from Franklin High in New Jersey!

December 11, 2013 by Ryan Ponsford Leave a Comment

If you weren’t already aware, Main Street Philanthropy launched another class at Franklin High in New Jersey! Under the leadership of Ambassador Yale Levey, they are off and running, learning their passions, and preparing to make a difference in the world!

Here are a few quotes from their blogs after just the first two weeks:

The first session I experienced at Main Street Philanthropy was unheard of. The things going through my head during the activities were deep and at a state which I haven’t reached before. I am now starting to realize what is more important to me in my life. I am getting my priorities straight. Hopefully, as this program progresses I will be able to change my perspective even more on certain subjects. With this program, I think it is possible.
-Ahil R.

I’ve already learned something new about myself and it has only been one week.
– Cheyenne D

From the first week/session of Main Street Philanthropy I realized I care a lot more than I expected. All of the cards from the Make A Difference deck brought up a desire to help within me. In the end I picked the cards that helped those who couldn’t help themselves (children, animals and hunger). I was surprised to see that everyone cared about children as much as I did.
-Alexis C

The first session of Main Street Philanthropy was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. When I first heard about this program, it seemed too good to be true. Living in a world where adults don’t really trust teens to actually complete things, I was surprised that we as high school students would be allowed to directly interact with charities and maybe donate money to them. However, when we had the first session in class, this turned into a reality. We were able to discover our passions and learned a few things about ourselves along the way. I’m really excited to see what will happen on this journey.
-Stephanie T
Our first session in Main Street Philanthropy was quite interesting to me. One thing was when we did the activity called M.A.D (Make A Difference), I learnt many things about myself and a general idea of others during the activity, when we had to only pick three of the several cards that was there, it made me feel a little guilty when I couldn’t pick more than the three. I know I am one out of seven billion people in the world that could make a difference, but it still made me feel a little guilty when I had to drop the rest of the ones I couldn’t help with.
Ken P

We did an activity called M.A.D., where we had cards with different topics on them, such as hunger, family services, environmental services, etc. From the various cards and topics, we had to pick six that we cared the most about. I thought that was difficult; when we had to narrow it down to only three cards, I had to spend a little time picking which ones to keep and which ones to eliminate. Right then, I realized how much I really cared about different organizations and services and what they meant to me personally. It was difficult getting rid of certain cards because I picked each card because they all somehow made an impact on my life.
– Chelsea J

This first week of Main Street Philanthropy was a very interesting session. It was a session that opened my eyes to how I am and how others are. During this session we had to do this activity called M.A.D (Make A difference) it consisted of cards to show what the person cares most about. Just seeing the cards changed the way I thought. When I opened the deck I saw all the things we can do to help in a charitable way, then after we looked at all the cards we had to choose six that we cared most about. That made me really think about the things closest to my heart, and then when I narrowed it down to six I had to choose my top three. Choosing my top three was a struggle because my top two were simple but I was then stuck between three topics. I had to really think of my life and see which topic I was more passionate about. After what felt like an eternity I got my top three and shared them. then I listened to the rest of the class share theirs and it gave me a new perspective on life, myself, and others. I learned that people have their own interests and also that people actually do care about problems in the world.

This program seems really beneficial and I look forward to every second I spend in it. I hope that this experience teaches me how to take charge and stand up for what I want. I am also very exited to donate the money to the charity and being able to help those in need. I see so much good in this program. And I really want to be changed and moved by it. -Justin M
Throughout high school, I have volunteered for many different causes and for several organizations. Each volunteer experience is different and allows you to learn something you haven’t before- about the world or about even yourself. Volunteering gives you a satisfaction like no other and I am truly honored to be a part of Main Street Philanthropy and am looking forward to the next sessions, where we begin to explore our passions. – Neha H

You can read more and keep updated on their progress by clicking HERE.

Obviously we’re excited to have Yale leading this class and impacting the lives of more students, our future leaders! Stay tuned for more updates and great things we’ll be sharing in the next few weeks!

Cheers!

Filed Under: Class Updates, Main Street Philanthropy Tagged With: Franklin High School, Yale Levey

Follow these students!

February 25, 2013 by Ryan Ponsford Leave a Comment

Bringing Philanthropy into Harmony!

As I shared last week, the students at Harmony High School are now into week two of Main Street Philanthropy. If you enjoy seeing the lives of teenagers transformed in an amazingly positive program, you really ought to follow along their blogs!

They’re just getting started, but pay attention as they share their insights, lessons learned, and perspectives of the world and how they can (and will!) make a difference.

Each time we start a new class, I have a renewed spirit, a new excitement and thrill with the good that can be done in our lives. We’re inundated with so much tragedy and sorrow in the world, let’s focus on how groups of students are pooling their efforts to make a positive impact.

With Main Street Philanthropy, we’re developing and inspiring the next generation of philanthropists by helping students experience the joy of intelligent giving!

Join Us!!

Want to learn about how to bring philanthropy to your school or group? Interested in participating in changing the lives of students? Drop me a note; I’d love to share how it works!

~ RyP

Filed Under: Class Updates, Main Street Philanthropy

Bringing Philanthropy to Harmony, Florida!

February 14, 2013 by Ryan Ponsford Leave a Comment

Today is the day! Main Street Philanthropy is entering the lives of another group of students, this time at Harmony High School in Harmony, Florida! Led by Scott Farnsworth, this group is about to embark on an adventure that will impact their lives for many years to come.

I’m so excited about the progress and upgrades we’ve made to program in the past 8-10 months – more hands on exercises, the development of our MAD (Make A Difference) Cards to help participants identify their personal passions and concerns, and an upgraded workbook to guide them through the experience.

For the next 8-weeks, the students of Harmony High will embark on an adventure to identify their personal passions and concerns, find organizations that support their cause, evaluate them – quantitative and qualitative, then make a financial investment in their long term success. I’m thrilled for them, I’m thrilled for Scott, I’m thrilled for the organizations that will receive the support, and for all the people whose lives will be touched by hearing the stories that these students will share.

Please join me in wishing them a wonderful experience!

~RyP

Filed Under: Class Updates, Main Street Philanthropy