Philanthropy at its Best - Solving Complicated Problems

A dear friend of mine was recently asked by a group of college students - undergrad and masters - at a top university to help them navigate the complexity of the non-profit world. They needed assistance in formalizing their new non-profit. While that may not seem very daunting, setting up a non-profit is not without its challenges. This group of students was instrumental in finding appropriate and effective ways of getting food unable to be sold because it cannot get to market or because the market has disappeared due to Covid-19 to non-profits that give food away to those who need it.

What they realized was that farmers and growers had so much extra food because of the change in the supply chain that without a solution, these farmers and growers were unable to distribute their produce, making it a total loss. At the same time, there’s immense need in urban areas, in particular, for more food donations to be given out to those who are facing food insecurity.

Think about it…you adults trying to make a difference for something they, themselves, don’t struggle with and aren’t directly affected by….they just want to help others.

I won’t get into the intricacies of what they were trying to figure out as a newly formed non-profit…but I didn’t want the opportunity to be lost to say how during challenging times the best of people are brought to the surface. These are young people who want to make a difference, in addition to going to school. They are smart enough to figure out how their non-profit can be the bridge between farmers and growers who want to help and the non-profits in the urban centers who need it. 

This is a sign of the generosity and creative thoughts young people today have, which can make a huge difference for others in the community.  It’s pretty darn cool. I think the kids are going to be alright.