MSP gets national attention!

Getting the Word Out!!

I'm thrilled to share that this week, Main Street Philanthropy Founders, Scott Farnsworth and Ryan Ponsford participated on a national teleconference, hosted by the Purposeful Planning Institute, moderated by well known advisor, attorney, author, and thought leader, John A Warnick!  (I highly recommend reading his Seedlings Blog.) 

John A. Warnick (a thought leader in the space of philanthropy and purposeful planning) saw a little bit of what we've been working on last November when he attended the SunBridge Advanced Legacy Builder Retreat.  As a result he invited Scott and Ryan to share some of their innovations on a Purposeful Planning Collaborative broadcast.  He also facilitated their landing a speaking spot at the annual conference of the International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy in Las Vegas on April 25th!  (Thanks John!)

"From the "Philanthropic Slush Fund" to "MAD" (Make A Difference) Cards - Putting the Fun Back in Philanthropy" with guest speakers Scott Farnsworth and Ryan Ponsford

Description: A little creativity can go a long way in helping children of all ages get engaged in the sometimes staid world of philanthropy. Scott Farnsworth and Ryan Ponsford describe their unlikely journey in making a difference with high net worth families, lower middle class families, inner city alternative school students, and professional advisors. They'll also share an advance peek at where their out-of-the-box thinking is taking them (and hopefully the world of philanthropy) next.

The call had tremendous attendance and received wonderful feedback from attendees.  We took multiple calls and emails from top Advisors seeking an opportunity to give back and make an impact in their comunities and in the lives of others.  Many of them we'll get to meet at the Advisors in Philanthropy national conference next month.  We truly are well on our way to touching the lives of youth across America, creating a thoughtful generation of inspired and intelligent philanthropists!

   

Thanks for following Main Street Philanthropy!

Great News; It's Official!

At last, the long awaited exhale!!

Today we received the official notification that our status as a tax exempt organization was approved by the IRS, retroactive to our formation in January!  This is wonderful new for us, for our donors, and especially for the students we'll get to work with in the coming years! 

It was no small task to compile the information, structure the organization properly, and put all of the checks and balances in place to ensure we are, and will remain, excellent stewards of this important mission for our communities.  The journey of educating and inspiring our future philanthropists through the joys of intelligent giving has just achieved a victory! 

Of course this means we must get on the road of seeking investments from donors to help us achieve our mission!  If you measure Return on Investment in terms of Lives Being Positively Impacted, Main Street Philanthropy may be worthy of consideration! 

Live in San Diego - it's Main Street Philanthropy!

Preparing future Philanthropists at

Clairemont High School!

We're bringing philanthropy to Clairemont High School in San Diego!  Last week, Main Street Philanthropy engaged another set of students, this time at Clairemont High with the Academy of Business and Technology (AOBT)!

This class brings together a collaboration between Ryan Ponsford of Main Street Philanthropy and Alan Walter of Clairemont High School who attended Santa Rosa High School together a rather large number of years ago.  Together they are guiding 29 high school juniors and future philanthropists; educating them on the joys of intelligent giving. 

The students got started last week with the MAD Card sort - identifying their personal passions and concerns they'd like to address in the world.  Already we've discussed how students' lives have been impacted from disease, foster care, military service, and faith.  Students are getting to know each other in new ways, gaining deeper understanding of core values of their peers. 

Through this 8-week course, students will identify their core concerns and passions, write a philanthropic mission and vision statement, locate and evaluate non-profit organizations, learn to read a 990 tax return, interview board members, then determine how they will allocate their investment to the organizations - funded by generous donors to Main Street Philanthropy.  Whew - lots to accomplish; not a dull moment! 

As always, blogs are starting this week; you can follow along at www.mainstreetphil.org.  Click on the blog tab and find Clairemont High. 

Here's a little about the Academy of Business and Technology: 

What is AOBT?

The award-winning Academy of Business & Technology, or AOBT, is a “school within a school” at Clairemont High that focuses on business, computer, and communication skills. Our three-year program provides college-prep core classes and business career-technical electives in 10th, 11th and 12th grade. Our Mission: The Academy of Business & Technology provides students a supportive, rigorous community where they can take ownership of their education and future; students acquire the technological, financial, and communicative skills necessary to succeed in a college and career environment. We help students invest in their future!

What AOBT offers:

Our academy program is committed to providing students with an array of unique educational activities and opportunities that are not typically incorporated into general education courses such as: • Internships in the business field • Mentorships with community partners • Entrepreneurship training • Instruction in finance and economics • Online business simulations • Field trips to businesses and colleges • Guest speakers on various careers • Job interview & resume guidance • Computer skills in Microsoft applications • Public speaking preparation • College application assistance • Project-based group assignment • Team-building and leadership exercises • Laptop usage across all courses • Problem-based learning projects • Group simulations • Access to laptops and an exclusive academy computer lab

Smart Giving - Inspired Living

Follow the Journey!