My name is Alma Nielsen, and I am a Junior at Boulder High School this year. I have been a part of 15 Forever as well as a co-trustee of a donor-advised fund at Boulder Community Foundation for almost two years now. In my experience, both of these have taught me invaluable lessons about philanthropy and just how important and impactful giving back to the community can be for all. I have really enjoyed getting to know different organizations and areas of need in the Boulder County area, and both my experience as a co-trustee and a board member have accelerated my knowledge and experience with philanthropy.
From a young age, I have seen my family, particularly my grandmother, involved in philanthropy. My grandmother has always educated me on the importance of being involved in the community and being generous and giving to others. I have loved getting to be a co-trustee and make grants to many great organizations with my grandmother. Every bit of support helps non-profits, and I feel very lucky to help others through my grandmother and I’s involvement with Boulder Community Foundation. Through her connections, I have gotten to know many great people and organizations in Boulder County. I was lucky enough to be nominated to join the 15 Forever program over a year ago, and I decided to apply because I loved the idea of being able to work with like-minded youth on issues that I care about. When I got accepted and began attending meetings, I was overjoyed to not only be involved in such a great organization and learn and do so much, but also to do so with an amazing group of people. I have loved getting to know and work with my leaders and fellow participants in the 15 Forever program and they have all taught me a lot. In addition, the organizations that 15 Forever has supported in my time with them, such as SPAN and BVSD, have had great impacts on the families and youth of Boulder County. I am so grateful to have been shown so much and to have helped others through philanthropy.
Because of my amazing experience and education involving philanthropy, I plan to continue giving back to my community far into the future. 15 Forever and the Boulder Community Foundation have had a great impact on me and my outlook on life, and I hope to help and impact others as much as I possibly can because of this.
15 Forever Schedule
April 3, 2022 at 11:59pm – Due date: Applications must be submitted online using the online grant application at https://tinyurl.com/15forevergrantapp2022
May 2022- Announcement date: You will be notified of the 15 Forever Committee’s final decisions in early May.
June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023 is the funding period. A final grant report is due by August 31, 2023.
