The Teen Philanthropy program through the Milwaukee Jewish Federation program stands as a shining example of the power that teenagers have when given the opportunity to lead, learn, and make a meaningful impact in their community. Led by dedicated individuals like Dalilah Bernier, Director of Teen Initiatives, the program is thriving as it continues to grow, evolve, and inspire the next generation of philanthropists.

Building Knowledge and Understanding of Philanthropy

One of the most remarkable aspects of this program is the diversity of experiences among the participants. Some teens come from families with a long history of philanthropy, while others are just beginning to explore the world of giving. Through the program, they are all able to dip their toes into philanthropy, gaining valuable insight into what it truly means to be a philanthropist.

The process of understanding how philanthropy works is hands-on and immersive. Teens learn not only about the organizations they are supporting but also the critical decision-making that goes into selecting which causes to support. The opportunity to ask pointed and educated questions demonstrates the deep level of engagement and curiosity that these young leaders have.

The Honeycomb ChangeMakers curriculum has been a valuable tool in this process, allowing Dalilah to tailor the experience to fit each participant’s level of understanding and engagement. “It’s been incredible to watch the participants learn about different organizations through the eyes of their peers,” she explains. The group dynamic, Bernier describes as “unique learning environment for participants,” where she challenges them to explore the complexities of philanthropy, leadership, and decision-making in a way that feels both personal and impactful.

A Year of Growth and Impact

This year marks a significant milestone for the program, as it has experienced notable growth compared to last year. With 28 Requests for Proposals (RFPs) coming in from organizations looking for funding, it’s clear that the community has fully invested in this program. From Jewish community organizations to food security initiatives and gender equality efforts, the range of causes that the teens are working to support is vast and inspiring.

“It’s an incredible experience to see the teens so invested in the work they’re doing… I wish we could grant to all of the organizations.” says Bernier, who coordinates the experiences both inside and outside the Community Center. “We want to empower the teens in the youth philanthropy program to utilize Jewish values to make a real difference in the world.”

A Commitment to the Future

Looking ahead, the future of the Milwaukee Jewish Youth Philanthropy program looks bright. The enthusiasm of the teens who have participated in previous years is evident, with many expressing interest in finance, investments, and the long-term sustainability of the program. Dalilah hopes to expand the program to include the creation and management of legacy funds, giving participants a deeper understanding of how they can leave a lasting impact on the community.

One of Dalilah’s primary goals is to encourage teens, both past and present, to become more involved in the community. A great example of this is Sasha, one of the nine teens selected for the 7th cohort of Honeycomb’s Youth Ambassador Council this year. When asked about her experience, Sasha shared, “Being part of Honeycomb has taught me valuable strategies that I can bring back to my own teen philanthropy board. I’ve gained skills for handling disagreements and managing intense board meetings.” By urging participants to volunteer with local organizations and actively engage with their communities, Dalilah aims to increase the program’s visibility and inspire the teens to make a lasting impact. “It’s not just about giving money; it’s about creating change through action, visibility, and engagement,” Dalilah explains.

Last year, the program awarded around $18,000 in grants, and the hope for the future is that this momentum will continue. With dedicated teens, strong community support, and a commitment to fostering the next generation of philanthropists, the program is poised to make a lasting impact for years to come.

A Lasting Legacy

The future is bright for these young leaders, and the community is lucky to have such a dedicated group of teens stepping up to create change. The journey from awareness to action is well underway—and with each passing year, it’s clear that the impact of the Milwaukee Jewish Youth Philanthropy program will only continue to grow.