Investing in Youth Projects

July 13, 2007 11:58 PM

As a young person, how do I invest in youth projects?

I'm fascinated and passionated about youth projects, and would love to invest financially in as many projects as possible. Being a young person myself, I know how hard it is sometimes for young people to receive funding and support for their work, so I want to help them the best that I can.

I'm not interested in earning money from this venture, though I certainly don't mind doing so! I don't have a lot of money but am willing to spend up to AUD$100 or so (depending on the project). I was hoping for some sort of social investment fund that gave money to young people (sort of like a youth-oriented hedge fund) or a youth "stock market" but I haven't seen such a thing yet.

Some things I'm doing:

* Buying products and services from young entrepreneurs (especially my friends)

* Donating to causes and projects founded and run by young people

* Joining organizations for young people

* Write up and promote youth projects (doesn't involve my money directly though)

What else can I do to provide financial support to young people?

(Location reference: I'm based in Australia and am particularly vocal about Malaysian youth since I'm from there, but I'm open to supporting any young person from anywhere.)

posted by divabat to work & money (3 comments total)

Kiva (or one of the other similar sites) might have something that strikes your fancy.
posted by alexei at 2:48 AM on July 14, 2007

What else can I do to provide financial support to young people?

- Work with a local organization to offer the money as a scholarship
- Ask local schools if there are any material needs they have, like new library books or playground equipment, and work with other youth to raise money via pledges
- Something like this scrip program, especially if you can get local people involved in helping their own schools/organizations

As a young person myself, one thing I have more of than money is time. This might not be the case for you, but dedicated volunteer commitment to a particular school, library, or other youth-centered place might end up saving them money in terms of having to pay another salaried employee, which might amount to more money that can be invested in their projects.
posted by mdonley at 8:01 AM on July 14, 2007

Although I'm quite out of touch, the Youth Affairs Network of Queensland should be able to point you in the direction of smaller organisations/projects needing support. Otherwise, contact orgs/projects directly - YANQ should be able to provide a list in your areas of interest, or else I found being a member of the university student union (UQ, in my case) women's and environment collectives great for info about the more creative/out there things going on.
posted by goo at 9:59 AM on July 14, 2007