When Beth and J Puckett and their family established the Giving Beyond Ourselves Fund at The Dallas Foundation in 2010, they did so to encourage the next generation of philanthropists.
The Pucketts have long believed that the students at Episcopal School of Dallas are mindful of the need to serve others. They wanted to create a program in which students not only gave back but also learned about the importance of charitable giving in a thoughtful, intentional way.
“Our goal was to provide an opportunity for students to think deliberately about giving to nonprofit organizations and supporting their community more broadly over their lifetimes,” says Beth Puckett. “It’s so rewarding to witness their passion and excitement, and to know that regardless of the amount being given, these students are learning how to distribute charitable resources thoughtfully and intentionally with a focus on community impact.”
With support from the Giving Beyond Ourselves Fund, 11th graders at ESD participate in the Junior Philanthropy Project. Students assess the needs of their community, determine the most pressing social issues, and research local organizations that are actively working to address them. The project includes site visits and reviews of financial information about the nonprofits, helping students make informed decisions about where to direct their grant funds. The Dallas Foundation then distributes the funds directly to the selected nonprofits.
Through this unique example of philanthropy in action, students have granted over $54,000 while gaining hands-on experience in community giving. And because the Pucketts created the fund using an endowment model, decades of future ESD students will continue to participate in the program and carry forward the lessons of thoughtful, community-focused philanthropy.
