Issue #73 · February 11, 2025
Philanthropy defined
Philanthropy comes from the Greek word philanthrōpos, meaning the “love of humanity”. People are expressing this love of humanity all around us: from restaurants caring for first responders to teens helping their peers affected by the fires. The good news is – doing good is contagious. So let’s spread some love.
Spreading compassion in schools
Over 2,200 kids from Maryland to Missouri are exploring their own capacity for making life better for others this spring. What is unique about this year? Thanks to YOU and the generosity of this network, we have been able to expand from 49 to 75 schools during the 24/25 school year! Plus, the need for spreading and validating kids’ concern for others could not be more critical in this moment.
Kids standing up for kids
Our latest podcast episode relates to a hot topic in the news this week. In our conversation with Design it For Us Co-Chair Arielle Geismar, we spoke about her work to protect kids online through the Maryland Kids Code. Put into effect last October, the Maryland Kids Code is back in the news after a lawsuit was just filed by NetChoice, a lobbying group for big tech companies.
To learn more about Maryland Kids Code and kids’ reactions to the topic, please listen to “Kids Online: Keeping the ‘Playground’ Safe”, which explores the lack of protections for kids online and what kids are doing to protect kids. Check out the full Tech for Good series here.
A mix tape from The Giving Square
In the spirit of spreading love, we would like to share The Giving Square 2025, a Spotify “mix tape” built from the favorite feel good songs of educators across our 75 school partners. Want to suggest a song to add? Send us a note!
Additional resources
- The latest Harvard’s Good Insights Podcast, “Transforming Youth Philanthropy”, features Executive Director Amy Neugebauer.
- Amy Neugebauer co-wrote Chapter 6 of Alison Body’s new book, “Children as Change Makers: Unleashing Children’s Real Philanthropic Power.”
- The Giving Square was referenced in “In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S.” Thank you Michael Layton!
- Our latest blog post “Making Philanthropy Inclusive and Equitable Starts with Kids” was published by Giving Compass.
- The Giving Square was highlighted in “Raising Philanthropic Children: Moving Beyond Virtuous Philanthropy, Towards Transformative Giving and Empowered Citizenship,” published by Alison Body out of the University of Kent.
Our work would not be possible without the generous support of the Rothschild Foundations, The Serimus Foundation, Kettering Family Philanthropies, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Maryland Humanities, individual donors, school partners, our Team, our Partners, The Giving Square Network (above), and you!