Smith Shares Her Philanthropic Spirit with Local Organization

Smith joined the 15 other board members, who represent every high school in New Castle County, to determine how to best award their $15,000 in grant money.

The group of high school students, along with adult advisors from local nonprofit organizations, meet monthly in the Delaware Community Service Building in Wilmington. Early in the school year, they picked their grant focus for 2017–2018 to include two important issues: students who are overcoming tragic loss and the prevention and awareness of youth suicide. After careful review of numerous grant proposals,the following local organizations received funding: Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, $2,000; Delaware Hospice, Inc., $3,000; Mental Health Association in Delaware Inc., $1,000; Supporting Kidds, $3,500; Urban Promise Wilmington, $3,000; and Wraparound Delaware, $2,500.

Being the youngest member of the group did not keep Smith from being asked to be one of the four speakers at the board’s annual dinner on April 24th. She addressed a large group of family, friends, grant recipients, and the heads of the Community Service Building at the University and Whist Club in Wilmington. Smith shared: “Through my involvement with the Youth Philanthropy Board, I had no idea I would find my own voice. I now realize that I have the potential to make changes in the world. We made positive changes in the lives of those on the receiving end of the grants; but in the process, we as the givers were also positively impacted.”

Smith will continue to serve on the board and represent Sanford until she graduates in 2020. She says: “I am excited and ready to devote the energy needed to begin this process of reviewing grants again. It is an incredibly special opportunity, and I appreciate being a part of this wonderful group.”