Kimberly Quinn began to realize the positive impact she could make in her community after becoming involved in a youth philanthropy program called Teens for Tomorrow (T4T). A program of the Community Foundation, T4T is part of a nationwide trend that involves youth in identifying needs and addressing emerging issues. In our community, T4T distributes annual grants totaling $5,000 to area nonprofit organizations after the youth evaluate grant requests and learn various agencies’ missions.

“Before conducting site visits to organizations that applied for our grant, I was unaware poverty, homelessness, abuse, violence, and unemployment issues exist to the degree they do in our community,” Kimberly said. “Teens for Tomorrow gave me an understanding of local issues and the opportunity to support organizations that work toward solutions.”

Kimberly was eager to learn as much as she could about philanthropy and about the Community Foundation, so she began working as an intern for the organization. For two summers Kimberly held an array of job responsibilities and familiarized herself with the Foundation’s mission. In the fall of 2006 Kimberly asked her parents, Dennis and Lynn Quinn, to consider opening an Acorn Fund at the Community Foundation as a Christmas gift to her and her sisters, Stephanie and Marissa.

“My parents taught me that with privilege comes responsibility,” Kimberly said. “I have had so many fortunate opportunities in my life and with these privileges come a responsibility to use our resources to help improve the lives of others.”

After Kimberly’s suggestion, Dennis and Lynn starting thinking about whether opening an Acorn Fund was all they could do. The Quinn’s realized their children were getting old enough to understand the opportunity their family had to give back to the community, and it motivated them to do more. The Lynn and Dennis Quinn Charitable Family Foundation Fund was established to involve their children in the giving process and to provide support to area nonprofits.

“Our hope is that the fund continues to grow as we contribute to it every year, and that after my wife and I pass, additional funds will be given to it,” said Dennis. “We want our children to have a hand in growing the fund and directing its contributions.”

The Quinn’s plan to visit organizations that are of charitable interest. Dennis believes Kimberly’s site visit experience in T4T proved to be a worthwhile activity and it will enhance his family’s understanding of potential grant recipients.

“I hope my younger sisters will be empowered by our site visits and the opportunity we have to help these organizations,” said Kimberly. “I want them to be more aware of our community’s needs and know that people of all ages have a role to play in helping others.”