PHILANTHROPY
Young philanthropists pick initial grant recipient
The upstart young philanthropists at Giving Sum have chosen their first grant recipient. It’s Coburn Place, a home for abused women and children, which will get $50,000 for a new playground, plus Giving Sum members’ volunteer time. Giving Sum President Marty Posch, who co-founded the local group earlier this year, said the staff of Coburn Place proposed “innovative” ways to engage Giving Sum members, allowing for a “deeper connection than a simple monetary contribution.” “All of us at Coburn Place Safe Haven are thrilled to have 100 new partners to help us further our mission,” Executive Director Lianne Somerville said. Giving Sum members each donate $500, raise additional money, and vote on where to award grants. The group received 160 applications for its inaugural grant. Coburn Place emerged from a pool of five finalists, including Indy Reads, Arsenal Technical High School’s music program, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, and Paws & Think. Giving Sum will look for volunteer opportunities with each of the five finalists.
