YorIT uses social events to introduce our members to exciting people, places and initiatives in York, most of which exist under the radar and will be new to our members. Some of our peers are less than enthusiastic about our town and its potential, describing York as depressed, dull and unwilling to change. We see York very differently but have to concede that in some cases, this negativity has contributed to our generation’s lack of engagement in local philanthropy. Our events demonstrate the tremendous potential and energy that exists here in our own backyard and inspire our members to contribute to that forward momentum.

YorIT offers the opportunity to meet pillars of our community whose generosity and leadership have sustained York for decades. These individuals believe so strongly in the importance of this initiative that they have agreed to serve as mentors to YorIT members. They see the importance of passing the torch and are willing to share their philanthropic experiences and inspire us all to dedicate ourselves as they have done.

In addition to facilitating relationships between our generation’s leaders and the philanthropic leaders who have come before us, YorIT builds connections within our own generation, creating a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for York and its future. It’s our hope that YorIT will help to instill in our members an even deeper love for this community – the feeling that “this is OUR town.”

The YorIT Steering Committee has identified young leaders in the York community, roughly under the age of 45, who are committed to building their lives in York and who have the ability to contribute greatly to the future of York over the long term. New members are asked to join YorIT by making multi-year pledges of at least $1,000 per year for five years to solidify that commitment over time.

Through the creation of the YorIT Social Venture Fund, we provide capital for community projects, demonstrating to our members the power that we can leverage as a group to benefit the community in ways that are meaningful to us. Half of the funds raised through memberships go toward creating an endowment and half go toward grantmaking directed by our membership. York County Community Foundation administers the Fund and provides staff support. Grantmaking follows the social venture capital model, with grants targeted to achieve real impact with measurable results.