GenJump: A unique opportunity in charitable giving for grandparents and grandchildren

When: Saturday, November 28, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Light of Life Mission, Northside [www.lightoflife.org]

By invitation to current donors

The Center for Philanthropy at The Pittsburgh Foundation

GenJump! was designed by The Pittsburgh Foundation in response to requests from donors to present opportunities to engage younger generations in philanthropy (i.e. what “doing good” or “giving back” means to them).

Grandparents and grandchildren will participate in a half-day session with Pittsburgh Foundation staff and Light of Life mission on the Northside of Pittsburgh in a service learning opportunity. The session will focus on the challenges facing homeless women and children. 

Through a series of age-appropriate exercises facilitated by the Foundation’s professionally-trained staff, participants will discover their common philanthropic values. Contributors will prepare and serve lunch for the families of the shelter at their monthly birthday cookout, lead games and activities, and work on art projects together. Afterwards, foundation staff will lead an interactive discussion on the concept of “homelessness.” Together, the members of the group will report on their experiences. Participants will receive a certificate in the GenJump! program of The Pittsburgh Foundation.

Each family unit is asked to donate $500 to the GenJump! pooled fund and The Pittsburgh Foundation will match each donation dollar for dollar. A family unit consists of one (1) grandparent and one (1) grandchild.  If an additional grandparent or grandchild would like to participate in a family unit, we ask that an additional contribution of $250 per person be contributed to the pooled fund. For example, two grandparents and 1 grandchild = $750.

One hundred percent (100%) of the money generated will be granted to the Light of Life Rescue Mission for their annual operations. To participate, make a grant through your Fund, write a check or use a credit card. Each donation must be committed before the session sign up date of November 2. 

Recommended for children ages 8-14, and grandparents of all ages.

Participants will:

  • Take part in interactive exercises with Foundation staff
  • Contribute food items for birthday party picnic
  • Prepare and cook items at cookout (adults)
  • Run activities and art projects (older kids)
  • Participate in and “lead” games (younger kids)

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Among school-aged children in western Pennsylvania, there are nearly 3,000 identified as homeless, including Pittsburgh Public Schools (745), Wilkinsburg (175) and Woodland Hills (147).
  • When homeless students were combined by county, it revealed more than 1,700 in Allegheny County, about 250 in Westmoreland County, nearly 200 in Beaver County and 145 in Washington County.

Source: PA Dept. of Education (as of Jan 2014)

For more information, contact Kelly Uranker, Director of Donor Education, 412-394-2604 or urankerk@pghfdn.org.