In 2002, IYF and St. Paul Travelers Foundation launched an innovative program encouraging young people in Ireland to become grantmakers. The program -- Youth Investors: Young People as Grantmakers in Their Own Communities -- is being implemented by the Irish Youth Foundation, an IYF partner.

During the first year of its partnership, a network of four Youth Investor (YI) groups was established to empower disadvantaged youth between the ages of 15 and 25. Participants gain the skills, training, and resources to support community-based initiatives that benefit their peers as well as meet their own personal needs. Young people make decisions on funding applications, monitor project activities, and assess results. This year, with additional funds from The St. Paul Travelers Foundation, two new YI groups will be established.

Martin Evans, for example, an 18-year-old volunteer, received a small grant from one YI group. With the funds, Martin will purchase software to ensure safe Internet access for children in a computer club that he established. He also plans to train other youth who will tutor groups of children on safe internet access.

The St. Paul Travelers Foundation is a global philanthropic organization funded by The St. Paul Companies, Inc. Headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, The St. Paul provides commercial property-liability insurance and asset management. For more information visit www.stpaul.com.