Young changemakers put $12,000 into action

Snow-Redfern Foundation’s Changemakers Project supports organizations with established youth leadership opportunities. Through grants of up to $15,000, young people take the lead in deciding how funding can make an impact in their communities.

Launch Leadership received $12,000 through the project to bring youth-led philanthropy to its Summer Leadership Workshops.

During Launch’s Awareness Fairs, students chose causes they cared about, researched organizations making a difference and created presentations for their fellow delegates. They then listened, learned and voted on where the funding should go.

Across the June and July workshops, students awarded funding to five organizations:

• Women’s Fund of Omaha — $3,000 for domestic violence and assault support
• Stepping Stones — $1,000 for youth addiction prevention
• Arbor Day Foundation — $4,000 for tree conservation
• Thirst Project Nebraska Chapter — $2,500 for clean water access
• Health Center Association of Nebraska — $1,500 for affordable healthcare access

The July fair alone featured 17 presentations shared with more than 500 staff members and delegates.

The experience gave young people more than a chance to speak up. It gave them the power to listen, lead and invest in causes that matter to them.

That’s what the Changemakers Project is all about: trusting young people with real decisions—and watching them turn their ideas into action.