Empowering Teens Through Philanthropy: The Growing Impact of Honeycomb St. Louis
What began as a single idea brought forward by the Gross family has flourished into a dynamic and impactful youth philanthropy group led by teens, for teens. Now entering its second year, Honeycomb St. Louis is proving that the next generation of Jewish leaders is actually the “now” generation: current groups of teens who are taking the lead in spearheading their own Jewish youth philanthropy programs.
The Vision Begins: A Teen with a Professional Drive
When Dodi Taylor first received an email from Sari Gross, she was convinced she was corresponding with a seasoned Jewish professional. To her surprise, Sari was a high school sophomore and the driving force behind launching the Honeycomb St. Louis group.
From recruitment to programming, Sari and her peers have taken full ownership of the initiative. They are not just participants, they are the visionaries, the organizers, and the heart of the group. Their leadership and passion have set the tone for a community-wide ripple effect of youth engagement and giving.
As one of the few teen facilitators within the Honeycomb network, Sari continues to find ways to engage and activate her network of teens towards action. “I wanted a place where my friends would want to come, hang out, and somewhere we could make a difference.” Sari Gross explained.
A Grassroots Effort, Supported by Community Partners
The Gross family’s initial conversation with the local federation came at a critical and opportune moment. With teens eager to step up and make a difference, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) offered key support, especially in helping to organize meaningful, hands-on volunteer experiences.
Most weeks, 10–15 committed participants carve time out of their busy weekends to give back. Their activities are diverse and deeply rooted in both Jewish values and local need.
Service Rooted in Connection
Honeycomb St. Louis places teen-led philanthropy at the core of its work. Participants engage in the full giving process, identifying community needs, researching potential partners, and making thoughtful, values-driven decisions about how to allocate their funds. Their volunteer projects, such as supporting early childhood centers or assisting with community events like the JCC’s Senior Olympics or Theater Unlimited performances, serve to deepen their understanding of the populations and organizations they may choose to support. These hands-on experiences enrich the teens’ philanthropic conversations while nurturing meaningful connections across generations and abilities.
Creative Giving and Community Partnerships
Fundraising is a key pillar of the group’s impact. Last year, the teens collectively raised nearly $3,000 for an Israel emergency fund, reflecting their strong commitment to supporting Israel and to making informed funding choices. Through partnerships with PJ Library and Women’s Philanthropy, they were able to assist the Women’s Philanthropy group with the “Mini-Mitzvah” initiative; an opportunity for the group to connect their philanthropic goals with direct service by preparing and delivering supplies to the local homeless community. Additional efforts, such as the ABCs of Shabbat program and a community-wide Challah Bake, held earlier this fall, which allow the teens to further explore how strategic giving, community partnerships, and hands-on service work together to strengthen their role as emerging Jewish philanthropists.
Looking Ahead: A Movement in the Making
With organic recruitment driven by the teens themselves, interest in the program continues to grow. There’s hope that participation will soon reach a level requiring the formation of multiple groups – a testament to the power of youth-led engagement.
Fostering Ownership Through Philanthropy
At its core, the goal of Honeycomb St. Louis is simple yet powerful: to help teens feel true ownership over their ability to give. Whether they are volunteering their time, raising money, or planning community events, participants are learning that philanthropy isn’t just about giving, it’s about connecting, leading, and building a stronger community together.
Interview and Article by:
Matt Bergman
Senior Manager
Operations and Communications
Honeycomb