The Black Belt Community Foundation is on a mission to inspire area middle school students by empowering them to embrace humanitarianism and philanthropy in their communities.

The foundation will hold a free information and listening session on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. inside the Hampton Inn Conference Center, located at 2200 W. Highland Ave. BBFC will also present it’s newly launched “YouthGive,” or grant, invest, vision and empower, program to teach students about other topics such as nonprofit organizations and community involvement.

BBFC executive director Felecia Jones said the act of philanthropy is important because it gives everyone, especially young people, an opportunity and responsibility to help.

“Now more than ever with budget cuts on every level — local, regional and state, (philanthropy) is really the piece of the puzzle that fills the gap,” Jones said. “It helps to supplement some of the existing programs we have. There are so many ways individuals can help … it’s not just money but with time and talent.”

When it comes to teaching philanthropy to young people, Jones said, the “earlier the better” is key.

“The earlier we can enlighten them on philanthropy and the benefits … it will become a part of everyday life,” Jones said. “It will become second nature to give financially and to the community.”

With intentions to establish the YouthGive program by next year with classes and partnerships with such community programs as Leadership Selma-Dallas County, Jones said she hopes the program will give the community a voice.

“Part of our goal is to earmark a special pot of money where young people can learn about grant making, nonprofits, etc and introduce concepts to parents and those interested in helping us build the program,” Jones said. “Hopefully, following this meeting, we’ll have enough input and feedback to take it back to the mayor.

“We want this generation of youth to lay a foundation for more youth to participate in the future.”

To learn more about the YouthGive program contact Evette Woods at 874-1126 or email at ewoods@blackbeltfound.org.

In its seventh year, the BBCF was established to support community efforts in the Black Belt that will contribute to the strength and innovation and success of the region’s people and its communities.