Spiral Giving’s mission is to create community engagement in high school students by teaching the power of philanthropy and giving back. The program encourages teens to become champions of local issues, cultivate a lifelong practice of giving, and learn that giving locally can have a broader positive impact.
Spiral Giving is raising future philanthropists through a charitable grant-awarding program. Our goal is to give local youth the opportunity to expand their understanding of giving by interacting with the Westchester nonprofit sector. Students learn to evaluate humanitarian needs and are empowered to change lives, strengthen communities, and impact the world around them.
Sue and Julie were brought together by their mutual interest in volunteerism and community engagement. Having discussed the power of engaging students, they realized there was an opportunity to create a youth philanthropy program in Westchester County. They founded Spiral Giving in 2015 to teach teens the importance of giving back.
Sue dedicates her time to local nonprofits in order to create meaningful, sustainable change in our communities. She recently served as Board Chair of the Open Door Foundation, the philanthropy arm of Open Door Family Medical Centers. She’s a 2017 graduate of Leadership Westchester and in 2019 was recognized as the Association of Development Officers ‘Outstanding Philanthropist’.
Julie is a dedicated volunteer who has shared her time and talents with several organizations focused on the education and well-being of Westchester’s youth. She has mentored students through Yonkers Partnership in Education and the Pleasantville Cottage School. Most recently, she was a Board Member of Impact100 Westchester. She has been evaluating and awarding grant applications for many years.
Nonprofit Board Member
and Community Volunteer
Writer, Educator, Consultant,
and Advocate
Pharmaceutical Industry Veteran
and Community Volunteer
Educational Consultant
and Writer
Nonprofit Writer and
Communications Consultant
“I like getting to work with local organizations in order to better understand the meaning of philanthropy, as well as how I can give back to the larger Westchester community.” – Charlotte B., Spiral Giving Student