In This Issue:

Young Hoosier Philanthropist - Lindsey Koetter

Finding Inspiration in Literature and Movies

YouTube Nonprofit Program

Young Hoosier Philanthropist - Lindsey Koetter
The Outstanding Young Adult Philanthropist Award was recently presented to Lindsey Koetter for her exceptional work with College Mentors for Kids.  The award was given by the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Indiana Chapter at their 2007 Philanthropy Day Awards dinner. 

A student of Ball State University, Lindsey is president of one of the largest College Mentors for Kids chapters in Indiana.  Her vision, organization, patience, commitment and compassion helped her chapter serve more children than planned due to successful fundraisers and growth in the program.  During the 2006-07 school year, the group worked with 70 at-risk elementary students, helping them develop leadership skills and become active contributors in their communities. 

Congratulations to Lindsey on her award!

Finding Inspiration in Literature and Movies
Finding Inspiration in Literature and Movies (F.I.L.M.) is a literacy and film program that encourages youth to read, view and do:

1. Read a book that is associated with a movie.

2. View the movie

3. Participate in related activities suggested by free, downloadable guides.

4. Complete a service project that relates to the central themes of the book and movie.

The F.I.L.M. project has developed activity guides for 15 movies, all of which present a positive message for youth.  From Because of Winn Dixie to The Ultimate Gift, these films are meant to help young people realize their full potential. 

Download the resources: http://www.youthfilmproject.org/programs.htm.

F.I.L.M. is the result of a collaboration between Heartland Truly Moving Pictures and the National Collaboration for Youth.  Locally, it is being sponsored by the Crowe Foundation.  If you would like to join Crowe in its F.I.L.M. initiative, call 1.888.284.4604 or email film@crowechizek.com.

Who's Your Hoosier Hero?
Indiana Dollars for Scholars is inviting students to participate in the third annual Hoosier Heroes™ program. Any Indiana high school junior or senior may nominate a living current or former resident of Indiana who inspires them. Students should nominate their hero in one of ten categories. There will be one winner in each category, and each student will receive a $2,000 post-secondary scholarship*, presented at the Hoosier Heroes Celebration in Indianapolis in May, 2008.  Heroes will also receive a $2,000 scholarship* to designate to the Indiana high school of their choice.  In 2006, more than $43,000 in scholarships was awarded to Hoosier students and high schools!  The deadline for submission is January 31, 2008.

For more information, visit www.IndianaDollarsforScholars.org or www.HoosierHeroes.org.

*Each $2,000 scholarship contains a $1,000 USA Funds match

Environmental Funding from Captain Planet
Grants of $250-$2,500 are available from the Captain Planet Foundation to fund hands-on environmental projects for children and youth. 

Deadline: December 31, 2007            www.captainplanetfoundation.org

Power of Children Awards and Exhibit
The Power of Children Awards celebration recognized four outstanding young Hoosier philanthropists on November 10 as part of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ new permanent exhibit, The Power of Children: Making a Difference. The purpose of the awards is to help children and families realize that while some youth are recognized nationally and internationally for their actions, there are many in our own communities whose good deeds too often go unnoticed.  We encourage you to take your family to see this wonderful new exhibit and look forward to recognizing these outstanding youth in 2008!

YouTube Nonprofit Program
YouTube has announced the YouTube Nonprofit Program , a way to help people find, watch and engage with nonprofit video content. YouTube's Nonprofit Program enables 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to receive a free, specific nonprofit YouTube channel where they can upload footage of their work, public service announcements, calls to action and more. The channel will also allow them to collect donations with no processing costs using the newly launched Google Checkout for Non-Profits. YouTube's global platform enables nonprofits to deliver their message, showcase their impact and needs, and encourage supporters to take action.