AUSTRALIA. Kids in Philanthropy, a non-profit fund established to build social awareness, social conscience and a practice of giving in kids is the only one of its kind in Australia. Founded by Dr Catriona Wallace with her children, Indigo Wallace-Knight, aged 10 and Saxon Wallace-Knight, aged 8, Kids in Philanthropy offers a program of active philanthropy for children aged between 5 and 18 years. It exists to grow the culture of giving and philanthropy in Australia and to address the significant disadvantage in many communities.
In Saxon’s words,
“Philanthropy is important because it makes a community and then people can achieve anything. If you are a kid and you learn to help when you grow up to be an adult you will already be really good at helping so it will be easy for you. And then it just keeps going on and on.”
Children involved with Kids in Philanthropy are engaged in workshops, educational programs and experiential opportunities. They brainstorm charity initiatives, learn about how to raise money and hear about social justice issues from guest speakers. Activities are focused on raising awareness of the issues in the children’s own city and providing opportunities for them to take a leadership role in addressing the areas of need.
Kids in Philanthropy is supported by an Advisory Board that not only includes experts in community philanthropy, child-based philanthropy and psychology, but also involves children who are instrumental in determining where funding and other assistance might be focused.
The first Kids in Philanthropy funded initiative is a Technology and Learning Program in Fairfield, NSW. The initiative will provide technology, music, art and sporting programs for 8 to 12 year olds who might otherwise not have access to such activities.
Website: http://kip.org.au