ABOUT US
The Giving Square introduces children to a broader and deeper interpretation of what philanthropy can be and validates the many ways that ALL of us can and do contribute to the world around us.
Our Mission
We aim to transform the civic role of children, through a new, inclusive expression of philanthropy.
Our Vision
We see a world where children are impactful contributors to society.
Our History
In the fall of 2016, we were a group of citizens concerned about the rise of the divisive “us vs. them” narrative in our country. As a group of parents seeking to raise caring children amidst increased rates of bullying, loneliness, and narcissism in our schools, we wanted to empower and challenge children to be empathetic, impactful, and authentic philanthropists (givers of themselves for the good of humanity).
A few months later we piloted a Kids for Kids Fund with 40 students at Wood Acres Elementary School. We quickly saw the impact the program had on kids. Based on their feedback, children loved it and learned a lot. At home, their parents observed increased empathy and a desire to give back. From one site in 2016, we now have 50 partner sites and are reaching over 1,800 kids annually. Our reach and impact continues to grow!
With our deepest reach in Maryland, we are also offering programming in Virginia and Missouri. As we have grown, so has our team of staff and community volunteers. We have built systems and tools that have made scaling possible - including a curriculum portal for teachers. We have also formalized our core team of champions and advisors with the formation of The Giving Square Network.
We have also broadened our programming to cover 2nd through 8th graders by adding the Kids for Kids Intro and Service Learning Workshop programs. To serve a broader audience, we now produce “Kids are Philanthropists, Too!”, a podcast co-hosted by kids who explore problems and solutions that matter to them. We also run The Giving Square Selects program, which promotes books reviewed and chosen by kids.
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