FAU HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS WIN AND RECEIVE FUNDING IN "PHILANTHROPY TANK"

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Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022

Edits & Corrections [2.10.22]: This story has been updated to include a different funding model and a change of presentation venue.

Members of the FAU High School junior class Mallory Thomas, Elise Siegel, Alyssa Jiggetts, and Anna Jarvis, applied to Philanthropy Tank, a program that allows students to pitch an idea for a nonprofit organization to receive funding.

Their project, GNOME (Growing Native Oasis Made for Engagement), was conceived from the idea that being mindful about nature and giving back to the community can benefit anyone who participates. The project’s main purpose is to create community butterfly gardens in underserved communities in Palm Beach County, and eventually expand to more public locations. The project would also hold educational panels to raise awareness about environmental issues in Palm Beach County (ex. loss of biodiversity, climate change, pollution). Gardening events/lessons and educational panels serve to educate the community about native wildlife. The students say they hope to restore biodiversity, reinstate a connection to nature, and alleviate stress that many experienced during the pandemic.

Out of 50 applications, this FAUHS group was chosen to be one of 6 finalists, meaning their project continues in the process to receive funding with the help of Philanthropy Tank. The students will be presenting their project virtually to Philanthropy Tank. The recordings of the presentations will be released on April 11, 2022.