Guiding Principles

In supporting and promoting youth philanthropy, the Coalition is guided by and advances certain basic principles:

• Philanthropy as a means of addressing society’s needs is enhanced by providing authentic opportunities for youth voice and influence;
  
  
• Youth philanthropy offers an excellent opportunity for youth development, therefore, youth-led philanthropy programs should embrace youth development principles and practices;
  
  
• Young people are a present – not a deferred – resource. Youth philanthropy contributes to community now as well as in the future. It is an effective strategy for engaging young people in the civic life of their communities.