ROOTED IN OPTIMISM

The Saint Paul Friend of Youth Foundation was created by the Optimist Club of Saint Paul in 1996.  The club has long recognized Saint Paul high school seniors who have achieved success despite facing significant challenges at their annual Youth Appreciation dinner event.  The Foundation was started to build a scholarship fund to help these students continue a path toward achieving their goals. 

While the foundation is a separate entity, the Club remains closely involved.  This collaboration encompasses the selection and recognition of students by working directly with Saint Paul educators, school counselors and coaches to identify students who have successfully demonstrated persistence and leadership in high school and have a drive to continue to succeed.   The students can come from public, charter or private high schools. 

This year the Foundation will award at least 15 students with a $4,000 scholarship to be used to support a wide variety of educational pursuits, whether at a college or trade institution.   Since its inception, the Fried of Youth Foundation has granted more than $700,000 in scholarships. 

 

 

Scholarship Process

Our program is for incoming St Paul High School Seniors. The application process begins in early September with applications being evaluated in late October with our awards being granted in November.

Recognizing Our Partners

The Saint Paul Friend of Youth Foundation has received generous support from The Optimist Club of Saint Paul, The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, The Wilder Foundation, USB Financial, The Grissinger Foundation, Stifel Foundation, The Distad Team Realty and many members of our local community. 

How I can donate:
The St. Paul Friend of Youth Foundation is a non-profit organization which is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations to the foundation are fully deductible to the extent of the value of the gift.

We are a 100% volunteer organization.

To donate online by credit card please click here "Donate Now"

Donations by check should be payable to "St. Paul Friend of Youth Foundation" and should be mailed to St Paul Friend of Youth Foundation, PO Box 40065, St. Paul, MN 55104-8065

To donate securities or other assets in lieu of cash, please contact John Tillotson, Treasurer, at 651-402-6858 or 
by e-mail to j.tillotson62@gmail.com

Other inquiries may be made by email at stpaulfoyfoundation@gmail.com