FIST is a student lead group of youth philanthropists from Fremont, Angola and Hamilton. Each year one student is chosen through a non-biased application process open to all seventh graders. FIST has established several traditions, but also seeks new ways to serve Steuben County.
Our grant dollars are divided into three categories. Reactive grant proposals are sent to us from the community. Proactive grants are made according to needs FIST identifies and chooses to impact. The third category is the “FIST Wish” grant initiative. This program gives school personnel the opportunity to apply for mini grants to enhance learning.
ABOUT FIST
FIST has a strong commitment to service. Each month FIST makes service a part of the meeting, from chopping vegetables at a soup kitchen to making crafts with developmentally disabled adults. The annual holiday party with a local Headstart preschool is the FIST favorite. Games are purchased to promote family time and the students make the wrapping paper and get to keep the crayons, scissors, etc. which many of them don’t have at home.
Having vision is also important to FIST. Several years ago “FIST Flowers the Future” was established. Thousands of daffodils have been planted across the county to not only provide beautiful color in the spring, but to send a message that the small things we do have a lasting impact. This summer FIST decided to raise money for a cause instead of using its granting budget. A “Helpstock” benefit concert raised $1300 for an organization’s building program. The most recent FIST effort is to begin an alumni organization. FIST is a well known organization in Steuben County and gets many requests for volunteers. Since only 15 students can be part of FIST an auxiliary organization was initiated known as FOOT (FISTers Offering Others Time).
FIST seeks to find the most fun and efficient ways of “Doin’ good in the neighborhood!”