Okoboji, IA (northwestiowanow) — The Okoboji Foundation has announced its annual Youth in Philanthropy Class for the 2026-2027 school year.

Now in its 17th year, the program includes students from the Spirit Lake Community School District, Okoboji Community School District, and Harris-Lake Park Community School District.

Throughout the school year, participants will meet with nonprofit organizations across the Iowa Great Lakes region to learn about community needs and the role philanthropy can play in addressing them.

Last year, the 2025-2026 class raised more than $103,000 from 226 sponsors and awarded a record $93,238 in grants to four local nonprofit organizations. Since the program began in 2010, Youth in Philanthropy students have raised more than $891,500 for community projects throughout the Iowa Great Lakes region.

Community members interested in supporting the 2026-2027 Youth in Philanthropy class may contribute through the Okoboji Foundation during the fundraising campaign.