“I cannot put into words the impact FPP has had on my life”. These words from Phyllis, a 2024 Future Philanthropists Program graduate currently attending Ohio State University, are far from rare. We hear sentiments like that from hundreds of young people and adult community mentors, like Chris, who said he’s “never seen a program so comprehensive and exciting – one that will truly change our community for the better”.
Launched in Oak Park in 2010, the Future Philanthropists Program inspired what is now the Three Pillars Initiative (TPI), a growing national movement currently in 13 communities cultivating the next generation of benevolent changemakers.
At TPI, we believe forming a more perfect union begins with people who care, give, believe in the future of their community, and empower others to do the same. That’s what we create: youth philanthropists in the truest sense of the word – lovers of humankind. With mentor support, rigorous learning, and hands-on experience, students gain the skills and confidence to lead meaningful community impact for life.
High school juniors learn the art, science, and business of philanthropy by analyzing community needs, interviewing nonprofits, and allocating real grants. As seniors, they lead full fundraising campaigns, creating a sustainable impact cycle.
A recent study conducted by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy found that every program participant reported becoming a better leader and community member. The stories are unique, but the message is the same: TPI changes local lives to change national communities.
Learn more at threepi.org.
Three Pillars Initiative
The idea to create a youth philanthropy leadership education program was born in 2010 by Rick and Cheryl King, long-time residents of Oak Park. In partnership with the OPRF Community Foundation, they launched the Future Philanthropists Program (FPP), now in its fifteenth year.
Given the success of the Oak Park program, and a desire to share this model with communities across the country, the Three Pillars Initiative (TPI) was incorporated in October 2018. TPI’s mission is to work with communities to develop and launch programs that teach the art, science and business of philanthropy to the next generation.
Donate today to support the youth of tomorrow: threepillarsinitiative.org/support-tpi
