Make a Difference this National Mentoring Month with these Philanthropist Tips

Having an idea is a wonderful place to begin. But bringing an idea into fruition often requires the collaboration of great minds. At Philanthropy Tank, the relationship between our mentors and students is part of what transforms the innovative ideas we receive into sustainable programs that make real impact on the community. In celebration of National Mentoring Month, we spoke with three Philanthropy Tank coaches to discuss the importance of mentoring, their process, and their tips for people who want to start mentoring youth.

Vicki Pugh, Vice President, Philanthropy Tank Palm Beach County Leadership Council

“One of the greatest mentoring experiences I’ve ever had was through Philanthropy Tank working with Ava Goldstone. Her project was to build a Boundless Dreams playground in Bob Miller Park in Delray Beach. As a volunteer for the Miracle League, which has a facility in the park, Ava saw kids with disabilities struggling to play with their siblings and friend on the playground which is adjacent to the baseball field. She had a vision to create a playground where kids of all abilities could play together.

I had helped to build and raise money for a similar playground at the Peter Blum Family YMCA of Boca Raton, so it was very appropriate for me to work with Ava. Throughout our work together, Ava had some very creative ways she wanted to present her project. She needed some framing for her budget and funding request. She took direction from me, but also led many of our conversations with her ideas.

When she got to the finals event, her presentation was flawless. She even had her mentor, a young man from the Miracle League, join her for the presentation! One of the greatest days was when the community came together to celebrate the opening of the Boundless Dreams playground! When it was over, kids of all abilities played on the equipment and had a ball!”

“Following that, I nominated her for the 2018 Carter Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. And, if I could not get any prouder, Ava was selected to receive that award. I joined her and her mom for the presentation at the AFP International Conference in New Orleans, LA.”

“Because I have seen how mentoring can impact both the mentor and mentee, I believe mentoring is important. The mentors I have had in my life have helped me learn and grow. They have led me on my career path, gotten me through some tough professional and personal times, and connected me to resources when needed. I really love mentoring young people who are interested in getting into the nonprofit field. It can be challenging to work for a nonprofit organization, especially in a ‘front line’ position. My hope is to support and help educate the next generation of nonprofit leaders — we need good ones!”

Vicki’s Mentoring Process

“Mentoring to me looks more like a partnership, a relationship where both parties can learn from one another. There’s really no agenda for mentoring. The magic takes place when the conversation is organic. You must be willing to share yourself in a mentoring relationship and be authentic. As a mentor and mentee, you must open yourself up to learn from one another. The experience can truly be life changing.”

Vicki’s Top Tips

“Every young person could use a mentor, so there is no shortage of opportunity! If you want to start mentoring youth, find organizations that can help you identify a young person who could use your help. Or, if you have friends or family members who could use your support, ask them to have coffee or ice cream! Don’t push the agenda with your mentee. Let them reveal how they need help. Really listen to them. Show up, be dependable, and invite them to join you for meals and events. Over time, you will see how you both will come to rely on one another!”

Julie Fisher Cummings, Philanthropy Tank Palm Beach County Leadership Council

“Last year, I was fortunate to work with Girls Help Girls, a group working to bring awareness and change policy around period poverty, the lack of access to period products by youth. It was equally and inspiring to see these young women grow! My thought partner Caitlen, a former Philanthropy Tank Alumni, worked with the students to help them start a pilot program at a local school. The students organized the funding and implementation of period product dispensers at Santaluces Community High School and worked collaboratively with students on the ground. Additionally, the students have been hosting events, collecting period products, and advocating for policy change at the state level, to ensure all students have access to these necessary products. It was amazing to so many generations of women working together to help students in their local communities.”

“Mentoring is an extremely rewarding experience that allows the mentee and mentor to grow and learn together! I seek to provide mentorship to pay tribute to the mentors I have had, inspire the next generation, and give youth the tools they need to succeed. So many of these students have gone on to create amazing careers and lives. I have been fortunate to work with them for a brief period on their journey!”

Julie’s Mentoring Process

“When I first meet with mentees, I like to get to know them as people. What are their passions and goals? Secondly, I help connect them to resources and contacts that can assist the growth of their project. I encourage collaborations with other groups and help connect them to broader initiatives that match their issue area. Lastly, I work with them to build capacity and consistency in their project by helping them grow their brand and organization through social media, events, and networks.”

Julie’s Top Tips

“1. Be prepared to be inspired and awestruck by their passion, vision, and commitment.

2. Listen to the mentees. They will let you know what resources they need!

3. Help connect them to your social and professional networks.

4. Keep in touch to see how you can be helpful.

5. Be prepared for the journey of your life. You will also be growing and learning alongside your mentees.”

Aisha Ali, Coach and Philanthropist Investor, Philanthropy Tank

“I have been fortunate throughout my upbringing and career to have more seasoned individuals take an interest in me and my passions. Mentorship is such an invaluable tool to promote interest in new ideas and concepts by providing guidance and expertise about topics that are mostly unknown. I love seeing students light up when they realize that they can achieve something that seemed almost impossible at the onset and watch the confidence grow in them.”

Aisha’s Mentoring Process

“I try to focus on being a good listener. It’s the key first step to creating a relationship of trust and confidence. Once I’m able to understand what matters to someone and how they arrived at the place they are, we can discuss ways to achieve a goal or make an idea a reality.”

Aisha’s Top Tips

“Have fun! It’s so easy to get excited and inspired by these students. They’re bright, hardworking, interested in helping others and just a joy to be around. Smile and share some jokes – it breaks the ice and makes students more comfortable. Be interested in what they say and don’t diminish their ideas or opinions just because they’re young.”

A bonus word from our co-founder and board president:

As National Mentoring Month comes to a close, we thank our team of mentors for motivating and guiding our next generation of Changemakers. To see this year’s student finalists present their community impact ideas to receive mentorship and funding, mark your calendar for our 2022 finals events.