philanthropyOz Blog

Grantmaker Spotlight: Kids in Philanthropy

This post written by Amanda Miller, Kids in Philanthropy.

Photo: Kids in Philanthropy launch, 27 May 2012

Kids in Philanthropy (KIP) is a sub-fund of the Sydney Community Foundation. It is an innovative new philanthropic fund created to teach children the art and skill of giving. KIP, which was launched on Sunday 27 May 2012, will focus on building social awareness, a social conscience and a practice of giving in kids for kids. The ultimate aim of KIP is to build social awareness among kids and by doing so create opportunities for knowledge sharing, friendship, encouraging a spirit of sharing and cultural exchange.

KIP will involve children in workshops to teach them about all aspects of philanthropy guiding them through fundraising and the development of programs to help make a genuine difference to the lives of their peers living in Sydney and Melbourne’s disadvantaged suburbs. There will also be events enabling the kids from KIP and the programs they fund to work together and celebrate their achievements.

KIP, which was the idea of Dr Catriona Wallace and two of her five children, is supported by an Advisory Board, who provided the seed funding, and includes experts in community-based philanthropy such as the Sydney Community Foundation’s Kristi Mansfield, psychologist Dr Tracey Pillinger and child philanthropy consultant Melanie Greblo.

Photo: Kids in Philanthropy launch, 27 May 2012

Children aged from five to 18 will be able to participate in KIP along with their families, forging stronger connections between parents and children around their values and giving. While the initial program is set in Sydney, KIP will become a national initiative.

The first project to be funded by KIP is a Technology and Learning Program designed specifically for children in the middle years aged eight to 12 years olds, who attend various schools in Fairfield, in Sydney’s south west - one of Sydney’s most disadvantaged local government areas. Developed as a result of extensive community consultation working with Fairfield City Council and schools, the Technology and Learning program will be piloted by KIP and will provide the most disadvantaged children with the opportunity to participate in technology, music, art and sporting programs - activities and care they might otherwise miss out on.

At KIP’s launch on Sunday, attended by over 200 people, some of the children involved with KIP spoke about what philanthropy means to them and why they are excited to be involved with KIP.  Dr Catriona Wallace spoke about her personal story and why she founded KIP, and Amanda Bray of Fairfield City Council, together with Fairfield Youth Advisory Council speakers, spoke about the needs of the Fairfield community and the impact the program will have.

To get involved with KIP visit www.kip.org.au or call the Sydney Community Foundation on (02) 9251 1228.