Youth Philanthropy Academy
Join our first-ever 2025 Youth Philanthropy Academy where you and 50+ other participants will decide how to distribute $250,000 to Black-led organizations to create a liberated future for all.
The Youth Philanthropy Academy
Are you passionate about building economic power in Black communities? Join our 2025 Youth Philanthropy Academy where you and 50+ other participants will decide how to distribute $250,000 to Black-led organizations to create a liberated future for all. The Youth Philanthropy Academy will build your leadership skills and readiness to actively participate in philanthropy and social change. This paid, comprehensive 8-week academy will prepare you to fund community initiatives, build integral organizing relationships, and navigate career paths in the nonprofit sector and across social justice movements. There is an opportunity to participate in two paid positions as either a Facilitator Fellow or a cohort member of the Academy.
Experience in Black communities is highly desirable.
Want to learn more? Join our informational session on February 27th
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to Ashley Weatherspoon at ashley@nextuporegon.org
program topics
You can expect to learn about these topics and more as part of the inaugural cohort.
The Nonprofit Industrial Complex
Mutual Aid & Fundraising in Social Movements
Careers in Nonprofits and Philanthropy
Fundraising Strategies and Tools
Understanding Perspectives from Donors and Funders
Connecting with local community organizations and sector professionals
program details
Applications Open: February 6th
Application Deadline: April 6th
Compensation: $530 biweekly stipend (including food, travel, and technology).
Duration: This is a part-time (no more than 8 hours a week) and temporary (June - August 2025) opportunity.
Location: Portland, Oregon. Most of our meetings will be online with a couple of them in person.
Program Meeting Schedule
You can expect a 1.5-hour meeting each Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 - 6 pm while meeting in the cohort. There will also be 2 - 3 in-person events during the program.
Paperwork session - Early June (2 hours)
Week 1 - June 16th & 19th
Week 2 - Kick Off / In-Person Meet & Greet Event
Week 3 - June 24th & 26th
Week 4 - July 8th & 10th
Week 5 - July 15th & 17th
Week 6 - July 22nd & 24th
Week 7 - July 29th & 31st
Week 8 - Graduation / Celebration
*Exact Dates for some events and sessions are to be determined
Qualifications
You are between the ages of 16 - 26
Located in or able to travel to Portland
This is a culturally specific cohort opportunity. Lived experience and/or a close relationship with Black and African American community members is highly desired.
Have access to reliable wifi and a smart device (computer, tablet, phone) to access Zoom
You can commit to attending at least 10 meetings and 1 in-person event
You have a passion for community building, social change, and racial justice
Strong sense of time management
About Next Up
Next Up (501c3) is a nonpartisan nonprofit that amplifies the voice and leadership of diverse young people to achieve a more just and equitable Oregon. Young people have the right to participate in decision-making about the world in which we live and the future we will inherit. We are dedicated to civic engagement, leadership development, and issue advocacy.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Next Up is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, disability, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
We believe our work is stronger when it benefits from the experience, knowledge, and wisdom of people who have faced systemic barriers and strongly encourage Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled people, people of diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions, and identities to apply.
