Who is a philanthropist?

Is it Bill Gates sitting behind a mahogany desk writing a million dollar check? Or is it a 20-something who funds a $5 item the high school band needs? Or is it the student who volunteers their time?

We think it is all of the above.  

Meet Emily: a 5th grader in Phoenix, a dancer, a kitten lover...and a philanthropist. Emily has funded multiple item requests on Support My Club including tights, zippers, paint and leotards. These are items that Emily can connect with and that she understands the use of. "I like [to give] dance and fashion stuff because I like to dance and I like fashion stuff."

Everyone should have the opportunity to fund items that are meaningful to them but how does a 10 year old come up with the money to pay for this? "I get the money from my allowance to buy stuff on Support My Club. I have three jars, one is spend, one is save, an one give, so I take some money from my give jar and go online and get awesome stuff." Philanthropy should be easy and philanthropy should be accessible. Emily may only be spending $5 or $10 dollars but she is already being an active member of her community and learning lessons in what it means to participate in philanthropy.

The students Emily is helping aren't the only ones benefitting: "It makes me feel good to give money to people who need it most," she says. There is nothing wrong with giving back being a little self serving - self-esteem in 5th grade girls is extremely important and if giving back makes her feel good AND helps students in dance and fashion clubs - then we will call that a win-win. 

Thanks for your philanthropic work Emily!

Items funded by Emily, perhaps you would like to contribute some too: