Youth Philanthropy Board in Jackson County (PBnJ) Awards $2,000 to Local Youth-Serving Nonprofits
Local youth board members of PBnJ (Philanthropy Board in Jackson County) announced the recipients of this year’s grantmaking cycle on Tuesday, May 12 at the Bellevue State Park lodge. PBnJ grants totaling $2,000 were awarded to the following nonprofits and programs:
$300 to Child Development, Inc. for its summer learning program
$300 to Mesquakie District, Illowa Council, Boy Scouts of America for Cub Scout Day Camp
$350 to Jackson County AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Program for College for Kids III
Summer Camps
$400 to Preston Volunteer Fire Department for protective equipment for youth firefighters
$383 to Jackson County Conservation for its My Community, My Future Youth Corps program
$250 to Marquette Catholic Schools for new playground equipment for its new 0-2 year old play area
In alignment with America’s Five Promises, five priority areas were funded by PBnJ grants: Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, Effective Education and Opportunities to Serve. The funded projects focused on improving the quality of life for youth in Jackson County.
A cooperative effort of the ISU Jackson County 4-H Extension office and the Community Foundation of Jackson County (CFJC), PBnJ is comprised of high school students from Maquoketa, Easton Valley, Bellevue and Marquette Catholic High Schools dedicated to using volunteerism, philanthropy, and grantmaking to help young people act as positive youth role models, develop leadership skills, and improve Jackson County.
“It’s really fun to see all of these high schools working together for one common goal,” said Mary Jo Gothard, CFJC executive director. “They bring their ideas together about how to raise funds and about the needs within the community. These students come up with young, fresh ideas—we all learn from it.”
In September, PBnJ students decided to host meetings at a different nonprofit location each month, participating in service projects at each location. This year, the organization volunteered at the Preston Library, Maquoketa Community Cupboard, Bellevue Art Gallery, Preston Manna Center, the Hurstville Interpretive Center, and Bellevue State Park.
For Marquette High School senior Logan Schroeder, it was an experience that opened his eyes to the needs of his community.
“It is a really great way for students to learn about how to help more,” said Schroeder. “Without this experience, I wouldn’t have had these opportunities to volunteer.”
“PBnJ is a great way for youth to understand just how they can give back in their community,” said member Louren Kilburg. “The point of our organization is to help our community, and I think that’s awesome.”
To learn more about PBnJ, visit www.jacksoncountyfoundation.org.