Arab American Teen Philanthropy Group Announces 2013 Grants

posted on: May 25, 2013

The Teen Grantmaking Initiative – a group of 20 young grantmakers sponsored by the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) in Dearborn – has announced four grants to benefit organizations in metro Detroit that serve youth.

Based on a youth-led needs assessment conducted in the community, TGI focused its grantmaking specifically on education and health projects this year.

The grants, which total $5,000, will enhance and support after school programming, health education, service learning, and teen maternal wellness.

Rasha Khanafer, TGI youth chairwoman, said she is proud of all the work the group has accomplished.

“We make a big difference at such a young age,” Khanafer said. “We learn about the needs in the community, we see the great work the organizations are doing, and we are able to fund and support them. It really puts life into perspective when we grant money to teen mothers or others where it means so much to them.”

These grants represent the culmination of a process that began in September. During the past 9 months, TGI members have actively fundraised, learned about community needs, participated in service projects and reviewed grant proposals from prospective organizations.

In November 2012, TGI was awarded the Sparky Anderson Award for Youth in Philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professsionals – Metro Detroit Chapter for its pioneering work as the first Arab American youth philanthropy group, and for its role as the next generation of community activists.

This year’s grant recipients are:

Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation – $1,000 to support a summer youth leadership program in Northwest Detroit.
Reggie McKenzie Foundation – $1,000 to support an afterschool enrichment program that engages 50 low-income youth in Highland Park in learning new skills.
Starfish Family Services – $2,000 for a maternal wellness program that encourages mental and physical health for teen mothers.
Student Leadership Services, Inc. – $1,000 for a youth-led drug use prevention and awareness program in several high schools around Michigan.

Dearborn Patch