Philanthropy Tank

What if the next big idea to improve Palm Beach County came from a teenager?

On this week’s episode of The Palm Beach Current, I sit down with Kelly Whiter , CEO of Philanthropy Tank , to learn how the organization is helping young people turn their ideas into real, lasting community impact.

Often described as a real-life “Shark Tank” for middle and high school students, Philanthropy Tank provides young people with mentoring, coaching, funding, and community support to take an idea they’re passionate about and actually make it happen.

We discuss:

How Philanthropy Tank helps students transform an idea into a meaningful community project

Why passion, not a perfect presentation or business plan, is what matters most

How mentors and philanthropic investors help young people develop their ideas

Some of the inspiring projects Palm Beach County students have already created, from protecting pollinators to helping seniors navigate technology and avoid online scams

What students can expect from the application and mentoring process

How the annual Philanthropy Tank pitch competition gives students the opportunity to present their ideas and receive funding to bring them to life

Kelley also shares her own fascinating journey, including leaving a 16-year career in law and ultimately finding her calling in philanthropy and service.

Perhaps the most important message from our conversation is for young people who see a problem in their community but don't know where to begin:

You don't need to have all the answers. You just need an idea and the passion to do something about it.

🎙️ Episode 28 — Turning Teen Ideas into Community Impact with Philanthropy Tank

Listen to the full conversation at PBCurrent.com or watch it on YouTube. Links in the comments.

🎉 We’re Honored to Be a Finalist for Palm Beach Illustrated’s 2026 Education Awards! 🎉

We have exciting news to share!

Philanthropy Tank has been selected as a finalist for the Innovation Award in Palm Beach Illustrated’s 8th Annual Education Awards, and we’d be incredibly grateful for your support.

🗳️ Please vote for Philanthropy Tank here:
https://www.palmbeachillustrated.com/education-awards-voting/

You can vote once each day from each email address you have through August 15, so every vote makes a difference!

This recognition celebrates something we have believed since our founding - young people have the creativity, passion, and determination to solve our community’s most pressing challenges when given the opportunity and support to lead.

Our student CHANGEmakers are improving lives every day - expanding STEM opportunities, supporting seniors, protecting the environment, helping children facing life-threatening illnesses, promoting water safety, increasing access to technology, and so much more. Their ideas are creating lasting change throughout Palm Beach County and beyond.

We are deeply grateful to Palm Beach Illustrated for this recognition and extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of the outstanding Education Award finalists. We are honored to be in such inspiring company.

If you believe in empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers, we’d be honored to have your vote. Please also share this post to help us spread the word so more people can learn about the incredible work these young CHANGEmakers are doing.

Thank you for believing in our students and in the power of youth to transform our community. Together, we’re proving that the next generation isn’t waiting to change the world - they’re already doing it!

Education Awards Voting 2026 - Palm Beach Illustrated This year’s award ceremony will be held on September 11, 2026. The ceremony will take begin at 6 PM at The Belgrove Resort & Spa in West Palm Beach. To buy tickets for the 2026 Education Awards, click here. Voting will take place from July 25 through August 25. Learn more about the Educator of [.....

Where are they now?

In this special alumni spotlight, Philanthropy Tank CHANGEmakers reflect on how their experience shaped their lives, strengthened their leadership skills, and inspired them to continue making a difference long after the Finals Event.

Hear from recent graduates as they share where they're headed for college this fall, and reconnect with alumni from earlier years to learn what they're doing today - from launching careers and nonprofits to continuing their commitment to community impact.

Philanthropy Tank helps cultivate compassionate leaders, problem-solvers, and CHANGEmakers who continue creating positive impact wherever life takes them.

To our alumni: thank you for continuing to inspire us. And to everyone who has supported Philanthropy Tank over the years, thank you for believing in the next generation of CHANGEmakers.

Learn more at www.philanthropytank.org.
https://youtu.be/O37zegeoDA0?si=QJRjrOLIzQ8Mazwd

Where are they now? (June 2026) Where are they now?In this special alumni spotlight, Philanthropy...

Tuesday night felt like the true beginning of the Year 11 journey.

Just over a month after stepping onto the Kravis Center stage as Philanthropy Tank finalists, our newest CHANGEmakers gathered again alongside their Philanthropist Investors, coaches, parents, Board members and PT leadership to begin the next phase - bringing their ideas to life.

Throughout the evening, students began shifting to leadership mode - thinking through what it really means to build something sustainable, how to stay accountable, how to work with mentors, how to access funding responsibly, and how to turn vision into action over the months ahead.

Breakout conversations with P*s and coaches gave teams the opportunity to start mapping out real next steps, ask thoughtful questions, and begin building the relationships that will help guide them moving forward.

For parents, it was also a chance to see firsthand what makes Philanthropy Tank so special - students leading with purpose, backed by a community that believes in them.

A heartfelt thank you to Board President Evan Deoul for hosting us, and to everyone who helped make the evening such a strong start.

While Finals may have been the big stage, this is where the real work begins.

We are so excited to see where these students go from here!

Check out this amazing opportunity from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (it's free to attend, students would just need to pay the cost of airfare, hotel and incidentals):

Are you a high school student who is passionate about a particular cause, like the environment or humanitarian aid? Do you want to engage more effectively with your community and advocate for change in the world?

If so, the Youth Changemaker Summit, a free, two-day conference launched by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Indiana University Indianapolis Admissions may be a great fit for you.

Taking place June 12-15 on the campus of IU Indianapolis, participants in the summit will hear directly from professional experts about the field of philanthropy and the variety of career opportunities available with a degree in Philanthropic Leadership.

Learn more: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/academics/youth-philanthropy-initiative/youth-summit/index.html

Huge congratulations to our 2026 VoLo Green Award recipients, Café Compost!🌱♻️

Lilly and Brea Benson, juniors at Suncoast High School, are leading an inspiring, youth-driven effort to tackle food waste, strengthen soil health, and expand access to fresh, affordable produce in Riviera Beach. Through their composting initiative, they’re transforming everyday waste into a resource that supports local community gardens and families, creating real, tangible impact in their own backyard.

Their work reflects thoughtful leadership, a deep sense of responsibility to their community, and a vision for solutions that can grow and last.

A heartfelt thank you to Wendy Oliver and the VoLo Foundation for your partnership. Your support continues to elevate youth-led environmental solutions and empowers students like Lilly and Brea to step forward as leaders and changemakers.

The future is in very good hands. 💚