Our News & Impact Stories
Northeast Ohio Students Turn Remembrance Into Action at Fifth Annual Youth Leadership & Service Conference
On September 25, 250 students, educators, and nonprofit partners gathered at Lakeland Community College for the fifth annual Northeast Ohio Youth Leadership & Service Conference, honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11. With support from a 2026 9/11 Day Youth Engagement Grant, students turned remembrance into action, donating nearly 1,400 items to neighbors in need in a single day.
Giving Is for Everyone: A Night to Remember at Our Fall Dinner
From a heartfelt tribute to our retiring CEO to two inspiring award presentations, this year's Fall Dinner proved that "Giving Is for Everyone" is more than just a theme. See how the evening's stories, speakers, and honorees brought that idea to life.
More Than a Grant: How Colin's Project Changed His Whole Family
A single grant to a small nonprofit turned into something none of them expected: a lasting friendship. See how one student's Youth Philanthropy Program project became a mission his whole family carries forward.
Building a Better World Through Strengths: Magnified Giving and VIA Institute on Character Team Up for Educators
Thirty educators and youth leaders spent a full day exploring character strengths at a free workshop hosted with the VIA Institute on Character, made possible by The Mayerson Foundation. The partnership brought together deep community relationships and decades of character strengths research to equip educators with tools they can use in their classrooms right away.
Everyone Has a Role in Giving: Our 2025–2026 Donors and Partners
Every gift, big or small, helped a young person discover their own power to give. Meet the 2025–2026 donors and partners who made that possible.
$247,120.48 Granted, 191 Nonprofits Funded: See Every 2025–2026 Program and Recipient
Behind every grant this year is a young person who asked hard questions about need, impact, and where their support could make the biggest difference. Explore the complete list of Youth Philanthropy Programs and the nonprofits they funded in 2025–2026.
She's Already Giving to Kids Who Haven’t Been Born Yet
Sue Monteith’s legacy gift to Magnified Giving is an investment in students she may never meet, but whose lives and communities will be shaped by her generosity. Honored through the Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council’s Voices of Giving event, Sue reminds us that planned giving is a powerful way to carry our values forward for generations to come.
Magnified Giving Celebrates Youth Philanthropy at 2025–2026 Grant Giving Ceremonies
Magnified Giving recently concluded its 2025–2026 Youth Philanthropy Program year with a series of Grant Giving Ceremonies, celebrating thousands of young people who spent the school year learning about community needs, engaging with local nonprofits, and awarding real grant funding to causes they care about.
They Gave to the Community as Freshmen. As Seniors, They Gave Back to Us.
The Lakota East National Honor Society Class of 2026 presented Magnified Giving with a $1,500 gift at their Senior Recognition Ceremony, giving back to the organization that first introduced them to philanthropy as freshmen.
Magnified Giving CEO Kelly Collison to Retire After 11 Years of Transformational Leadership
Magnified Giving Chief Executive Officer Kelly Collison has announced she will retire effective July 31, 2026, concluding 11 years of dedicated leadership as the organization’s first-ever Executive Director and CEO.
Lebanon High School Teacher Receives 2025 Bill Keating Jr. Educator of Excellence Award
Libby Turpin of Lebanon High School has been named the 2025 Bill Keating Jr. Educator of Excellence Award recipient, honoring her outstanding work empowering students through service-learning and youth philanthropy. Through a decade-long partnership with Magnified Giving, Turpin has helped students discover that they can make a meaningful difference in their communities right now.
Why Youth Philanthropy Matters
The case for youth philanthropy is the case for Magnified Giving’s mission. See how equipping students to give now cultivates the thoughtful supporters and community leaders nonprofits need for the future!
Honoring a Legacy of Generosity: Roger Grein Visits Mount Notre Dame High School
A simple school visit turned into a moving celebration of connection when Roger Grein returned to Mount Notre Dame, one of Magnified Giving’s earliest partners. The day revealed how Roger’s legacy continues to inspire students and strengthen community across generations.
Embracing the Shift from “Service Learning” to “Community Engagement”
Discover why we are embracing the language of “community engagement” and emphasizing the value of students forming deep connections with nonprofits and understanding community needs authentically. Read the full article to see how Magnified Giving helps youth become active partners in their communities and grow into thoughtful leaders.
Zach McGinty Leads with Heart and Purpose as Bill Keating Jr. Next Gen Award Honoree
Zach McGinty’s journey from high school philanthropist to nonprofit professional proves that one act of service can spark a lifelong calling. This year, Magnified Giving proudly honored him with the Bill Keating Jr. Next Gen Award for his leadership, compassion, and lasting impact on the community.
Empowering Youth to Lead and Serve: Two Conferences, One Inspiring Mission
Energy, empathy, and leadership took center stage as Magnified Giving hosted two inspiring Youth Leadership and Service Conferences for over 450 young people. Discover how these events are shaping the future of service and youth philanthropy in our region.
Honoring Youth Who Lead with Purpose: Shubhangi Srishti Awarded Roger Grein Legacy Scholarship
Shubhangi Srishti, a Lakota East junior, is turning compassion into action through her nonprofit TechElevate, empowering youth and seniors to thrive in a digital world. As the 2025 Roger Grein Legacy Scholarship recipient, she embodies the heart of Magnified Giving’s mission to inspire youth who lead with purpose.
Opening Eyes with the 100 People Lesson: Exploring Accessibility Barriers and Solutions
Looking for a classroom activity that blends empathy, reflection, and action? The 100 People Lesson gives middle and high school students a fresh lens on global accessibility challenges—and their role in creating solutions.
Boardroom Basics: Teaching Youth How Nonprofits Are Led
Discover how to help students step into the boardroom and explore what it means to lead a nonprofit. Our latest resource introduces a lesson plan that brings governance to life through discussion, role-play, and reflection
Unlocking Student Potential: The ‘How Do You Lead?’ Self-Assessment
Help your students see themselves as leaders. Explore our How Do You Lead? activity, a classroom-ready tool that sparks discussion, builds empathy, and equips youth to lead with purpose. Download the printable self-assessment in the full article.