Substantial Gift to the Community Foundation Renames Philanthropy Education Program

Ocala, FL (September 28, 2021) – With a three-year financial commitment totaling $150,000 from the Adam Hanson Better Communities Fund, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County has renamed their nearly 10-year-old middle school philanthropy education program the Adam Hanson Youth Philanthropy in Action program (YPIA). The gift will allow the program to significantly expand to nearly all middle schools in Marion County.

 

One-day-per-week for six weeks, NPBC members and Community Foundation staff teach students about the history of philanthropy and the differences in the sectors of society (nonprofit, for profit, government) while encouraging students to learn about their passions and the community. Classmates are grouped based on common interests and create “case for support” presentations to support local charities with an imaginary $500. However, historically, through generous donations from Community Foundation donors, the students winning presentations receive real money. Now with this new donation, even more classrooms can learn about philanthropy and award even more nonprofit grants.

 

The Adam Hanson Better Communities Fund was established by Stan and Martha Hanson in memory of their son, Adam, who passed away in a 2006 motorcycle accident. Stan Hanson has served as a guest YPIA philanthropist in schools through the years and chose to continue his son’s legacy by helping expand the program to educate more students about giving back. YPIA is one of nearly a dozen programs the Community Foundation offers. This extraordinary gift will help reach the community’s youth while indirectly impacting a myriad of local nonprofits already assisted by the Foundation’s regular Nonprofit Resource Center and NonProfit Business Council programming.

 

Since 2012, more than 1,000 students have received the YPIA curriculum in public and private middle schools throughout Marion County with $23,500 in grants given to nonprofits. Collectively in student surveys, 74 percent say they have learned more about their community through YPIA; 66 percent learned what they care about, and 66 percent plan to volunteer because of YPIA. For more information about YPIA, contact the Community Foundation at

 

The Community Foundation for Ocala Marion County is Building a Stronger Community…One Passion at a Time. Programs include the NonProfit Business Council, the Estate Planning Council, and the Nonprofit Resource Center in partnership with the City of Ocala, the Marion County Hospital District and Advent Health.

 

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