Six High School Juniors Complete CGLI’s 2021 Young Philanthropists Program

Buffalo, N.Y. – The Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative (CGLI), a fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and an initiative that aims to cultivate change in the lives of trailblazing youth of color living within Western New York, is pleased to announce that six high school juniors have completed The Young Philanthropists (TYP) program. The students were honored at a virtual Capstone Ceremony on June 4, during which they awarded two $1,500 grants: one to the Buffalo Urban League and one to the Belle Center.

The 2021 TYPs include: Denise Bobbitt, Cheektowaga High School; Sakiba Chowdhury, Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School; Makka Djibrine, Lafayette High School; Madine Djibrine, Lafayette High School; Gabriel Morgan, Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School; and Dakari Sawyers, Canisius High School.

The CGLI launched TYP program in 2016 to spark curiosity about giving personally and collectively within communities of color – by learning about grantmaking, community impact and philanthropy. After hearing from community leaders and philanthropists in the community, TYPs have the opportunity to award two $1,500 grants to two community organizations. To accomplish this, the 2021 TYPs met virtually twice a month from February until June.

“On behalf of the CGLI Council, we congratulate these students on completing this teen leadership program that provides hands-on experience working with the three pillars of philanthropy,” said Ruth D. Bryant, CGLI Chair and TYP Mentor. “Our hope is that these young philanthropists walked away from the program feeling more connected, proud of the impact they have made and empowered to give back in their own community.”

“We are confident that these young trailblazers of color will continue to pay it forward and come together to give back in a meaningful way, working toward a vibrant and inclusive Greater Buffalo region with opportunity for all,” said Cindy Odom, Chief Community Impact Officer, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

Applications for the 2022 TYP program will be accepted starting in January 2022. Visit thecgli.org for more information.

The Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative® (CGLI), a fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, exists to cultivate positive change in the lives of trailblazing youth of color living within Western New York. The CGLI works toward this mission through endowment building, engaging strategic partners, and intentional community connections. For additional information about the CGLI, please visit thecgli.org.

For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.