Philanthropy Tank

04/30/2026

Tuesday night felt like the true beginning of the Year 11 journey.

Just over a month after stepping onto the Kravis Center stage as Philanthropy Tank finalists, our newest CHANGEmakers gathered again alongside their Philanthropist Investors, coaches, parents, Board members and PT leadership to begin the next phase - bringing their ideas to life.

Throughout the evening, students began shifting to leadership mode - thinking through what it really means to build something sustainable, how to stay accountable, how to work with mentors, how to access funding responsibly, and how to turn vision into action over the months ahead.

Breakout conversations with P*s and coaches gave teams the opportunity to start mapping out real next steps, ask thoughtful questions, and begin building the relationships that will help guide them moving forward.

For parents, it was also a chance to see firsthand what makes Philanthropy Tank so special - students leading with purpose, backed by a community that believes in them.

A heartfelt thank you to Board President Evan Deoul for hosting us, and to everyone who helped make the evening such a strong start.

While Finals may have been the big stage, this is where the real work begins.

We are so excited to see where these students go from here!

04/16/2026

Check out this amazing opportunity from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (it's free to attend, students would just need to pay the cost of airfare, hotel and incidentals):

Are you a high school student who is passionate about a particular cause, like the environment or humanitarian aid? Do you want to engage more effectively with your community and advocate for change in the world?

If so, the Youth Changemaker Summit, a free, two-day conference launched by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Indiana University Indianapolis Admissions may be a great fit for you.

Taking place June 12-15 on the campus of IU Indianapolis, participants in the summit will hear directly from professional experts about the field of philanthropy and the variety of career opportunities available with a degree in Philanthropic Leadership.

Learn more: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/academics/youth-philanthropy-initiative/youth-summit/index.html

04/10/2026

Huge congratulations to our 2026 VoLo Green Award recipients, Café Compost!🌱♻️

Lilly and Brea Benson, juniors at Suncoast High School, are leading an inspiring, youth-driven effort to tackle food waste, strengthen soil health, and expand access to fresh, affordable produce in Riviera Beach. Through their composting initiative, they’re transforming everyday waste into a resource that supports local community gardens and families, creating real, tangible impact in their own backyard.

Their work reflects thoughtful leadership, a deep sense of responsibility to their community, and a vision for solutions that can grow and last.

A heartfelt thank you to Wendy Oliver and the VoLo Foundation for your partnership. Your support continues to elevate youth-led environmental solutions and empowers students like Lilly and Brea to step forward as leaders and changemakers.

The future is in very good hands. 💚

03/27/2026

Thank you to our exclusive TV partner, WPBF 25!

03/25/2026

What a night at the Kravis Center!

Last night eight innovative student teams took the stage for Philanthropy Tank’s 11th Annual Finals Event, sharing bold, thoughtful ideas to take on some of the most pressing needs in our community - environmental sustainability, disability inclusion, youth leadership, civic education, mentorship, arts access, youth legal literacy, and support for seniors. From start to finish, it was inspiring to see their confidence, creativity, and heart on full display.

Each team walked away with funding and mentorship to bring their ideas to life, with a total of $60,000 awarded this year. Even more powerful is what comes next - these students turning ideas into action across Palm Beach County.

This work doesn’t happen on its own. It takes a community.

To our partners, sponsors, volunteers, coaches, mentors, and Philanthropist Investors - thank you for showing up, guiding, supporting, and believing in these young leaders. You are an essential part of their journey.

Eleven years in, and now more than $835,000 invested in student-led initiatives, one thing is clear: the next generation of CHANGEmakers isn’t waiting - they’re already leading.

03/12/2026

✨ The countdown to the Kravis is on!

Last night our 2026 Philanthropy Tank CHANGEmaker finalists gathered at the Kravis Center for dress rehearsal as they continue preparing for the Finals on March 24.

These students have spent months developing innovative programs to address challenges they are experiencing in their own communities. Their ideas are thoughtful, creative, and driven by a genuine desire to make a difference.

Hearing them talk about the purpose behind their programs and the impact they hope to make is a powerful reminder of what young people are capable of when they are given the opportunity to lead. 🌟

There is still time to join us!

Register here:
https://www.philanthropytank.org/event/finals-event-2026-2/

03/07/2026

🎥 Philanthropy Tank on WPBF!

Yesterday morning, our co-founder and Board President Evan Deoul joined student CHANGEmaker Ahkeam Ivy on WPBF’s 9 a.m. newscast to talk about Ahkeam’s innovative program, Mix, Measure, Mentor.

🎬 Watch the segment here:
https://www.wpbf.com/article/philanthropy-tank-student-funding/70637339

Through Mix, Measure, Mentor, Ahkeam and teammate Jordan Johnson are helping younger students build confidence and life skills through mentorship and hands-on learning, a powerful example of how young people can step forward with ideas that strengthen their communities.

We’re grateful to our longstanding TV partner, WPBF, for shining a spotlight on the creativity, compassion, and leadership of students like Ahkeam and Jordan. The energy and commitment these young leaders bring to improving their communities is truly inspiring.🌟

And don’t miss the opportunity to see Ahkeam, Jordan and their peers live on stage at the Philanthropy Tank Finals on March 24 at the Kravis Center, where eight student teams will pitch their ideas for seed funding and mentorship from four Philanthropist Investors. To register visit https://www.philanthropytank.org/event/finals-event-2026-2/.

Philanthropy Tank offers students funding to address community problems through innovative projects.

03/03/2026

We are so grateful to the Palm Beach Post for featuring Philanthropy Tank in today’s Notables section with a half-page article highlighting our students and their impact.

Thank you for shining a light on these remarkable young CHANGEmakers who are stepping up, solving real problems, and leading with purpose right here in Palm Beach County.

We deeply value our media partners who help us amplify student voices and inspire our community to invest in the next generation of leaders.

Join us on March 24 to hear more of these inspiring student stories first-hand at our 11th Annual Finals Event at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. To register visit https://www.philanthropytank.org/event/finals-event-2026-2/.

02/27/2026

🌟 Meet Two of Our 2026 Philanthropy Tank CHANGEmaker Finalist Teams 🌟

On March 24 at the Kravis Center, our community will gather for an inspiring evening as eight remarkable student teams take the stage to share bold ideas and innovative solutions for Palm Beach County.

Today, we are proud to introduce you to three of those young leaders:

💛 Marlee Robson – “Smiles for Seniors”

Marlee’s inspiration is deeply personal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her grandmother lived in an assisted living facility where isolation and loneliness were part of daily life. Marlee and her family began delivering monthly gift bags to residents - and what they saw changed them. Residents kept those small items displayed in their rooms, and heartfelt thank-you letters poured in, reminding them how meaningful even simple acts of kindness can be.

Now an 11th grader at William T. Dwyer High School, Marlee is bringing that same care and connection to HarborChase in Palm Beach Gardens through her Philanthropy Tank-funded program, Smiles for Seniors. Her goal is simple and powerful: to bring joy, dignity, and human connection to older adults in our community.

🍞 Ahkeam Ivy & Jordan Johnson – “Mix, Measure, Mentor”

In West Palm Beach’s Historic Northwest District, Ahkeam Ivy grew up surrounded by a rich legacy of Black history, culture, and entrepreneurship - and a shared desire to connect the next generation to that legacy.

A senior at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School, Ahkeam created Mix, Measure, Mentor, a hands-on program where elementary students learn math and literacy through baking. With guidance from teen mentors, students measure, read, calculate, and collaborate while also helping operate a small student-run micro-bakery for the community.

Together with his teammate, Jordan “JJ” Johnson, a sophomore at Palm Beach Lakes High School, and in partnership with organizations like Rohi’s Readery and Liberation Station, Ahkeam’s initiative brings together education, culture, and community in a way that is both joyful and deeply impactful.

✨ These are just two of the eight finalist teams you will meet on March 24 - each one addressing critical needs in education, elder care, the arts, science, food insecurity and environmental sustainability across Palm Beach County.

We hope you will join us for what promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating youth leadership, compassion, and bold ideas for a better future.

📅 March 24, 2026
📍 Kravis Center – Cohen Pavilion

👉 See invite flyer below for more information and link to register.

02/19/2026

Last night at the Kravis Center, our Year 11 CHANGEmakers took another big step toward the March 24 Finals Event 🎤✨

With the guidance of the incredible Kravis drama coach, Mary Stucchi, students stepped onto the Cohen Pavilion stage and began delivering their presentations - some without slides, some with their first drafts - all with courage, heart, and a clear commitment to making a difference in our community.

The growth in their confidence and storytelling is already shining through. It is inspiring to watch these young leaders find their voices and step into their vision.

We have a few short weeks until the big night, and the momentum is building!

Thank you to Mary, our coaches, and our dedicated board and supporters who make this journey possible for our students.

To learn more and to register for our March 24 Finals Event, visit philanthropytank.org

03/25/2025

Thanks to the The School District of Palm Beach County for their coverage and support of our Finals Celebration!
Congratulations to our new CHANGEmakers!

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