FIST Youth Philanthropy Pod Shares Annual Impact With Community Leaders
ANGOLA, IN—Youth philanthropy pod Forever Improving Steuben County Together (FIST) recently presented its annual review to area school administrators, local government leaders, and members of the Steuben County Community Foundation (SCCF) board and staff.
2025 Forever Improving Steuben County Together (FIST) members with luncheon guests
FIST includes student representatives in grades 8–12 from MSD of Steuben County, Hamilton Community Schools, and Fremont Community Schools. These students, along with their adult guides, meet monthly during the school day to learn about philanthropy and make a direct impact in their community. During their presentation, students expressed appreciation for school leaders and administrators who support their monthly service and leadership efforts. Students interested in joining FIST apply in 7th grade following a classroom presentation. Applications submitted to the school office are blinded for review, and current members interview candidates before selecting one representative per school.
Last school year, FIST identified a goal to broaden its community impact by expanding both its grantmaking and community outreach for the 2024–25 school year. To achieve this, the group secured a $29,000 grant from the Dekko Foundation, a $10,000 grant from SCCF’s board, and a new partnership with Trine University’s Student Government.
With support from these partners and their endowment at SCCF, FIST awarded over $23,000 in grants to nonprofits and school-based programs serving Steuben County. Junior PTO at Hendry Park Elementary, Hamilton Elementary’s Forest Classroom, Erin’s House for Grieving Children, and the YMCA of Steuben County’s English-to-Spanish course were included in the 28 grants FIST awarded this year.
FIST also continued the FLIP (Future Leaders in Philanthropy) program, which reached every fifth-grade classroom in Steuben County. The program teaches students about local nonprofits and the meaning of philanthropy. At the end of the program, each class worked together to select a nonprofit to receive a $750 grant, resulting in a total of $4,500 invested in the community. Each school also received $250 in classroom supplies.
They also partnered with Trine University on a county-wide food drive, combining Trine’s Student Government U Can Crush Hunger campaign with FIST’s Trick or Treat for Canned Goods. Together, they collected over 19,000 pounds of food for local pantries. Together, they are now planning a fall pickleball event to continue the collaboration. This partnership gives Trine students a chance to connect with local nonprofits and engage more deeply with the community.
Beyond grantmaking and education, FIST members actively volunteered throughout the community. They hosted a Bingo Bash for the Heritage Club, providing lunch, games, and holiday-themed prizes to foster intergenerational connections. Several members volunteered at HandiCamp at Lake James Christian Camp—some served as buddies for campers while others supported with check-in, crafts, and activities.
Members also participated in the Clear Lake Conservancy’s annual cleanup, helped prepare Haven Hills Therapy Center for its grand opening, and supported the WLKI Pie Auction by baking a pie and answering phones during the pie auction. 8th grader Liam Corcoran humorously noted, “Always read the recipe first—melted butter is not the same as softened butter!” Proceeds from the auction support the Cops for Kids program. While FIST members typically help wrap presents for that event, this year they had the special opportunity to help children shop for their gifts directly.
In November, the Dekko Foundation hosted a retreat in Alabama for all 13 youth pods they support. FIST students found this experience meaningful both personally and as a group, learning from peers across the country. They noted how fortunate they are to be part of school systems that support their monthly involvement, something not all youth pods can access. At the luncheon, they expressed gratitude to the school administrators for allowing them to take a day off each month to participate in FIST and it affects the impact those groups can have in their community.
To wrap up their presentation, FIST members hosted a game of Jeopardy with their luncheon guests, testing what attendees had learned. The winning table received the opportunity to award a $250 grant to a nonprofit of their choice. Students also reflected on the valuable lessons and insights they have gained through participation in FIST.
“ We (FIST) are not three different schools—we are ONE community. We make a greater impact when we work together.”
If you have a volunteer opportunity or would like to collaborate with FIST, please email sccf@steubenfoundation.org.