Every December, Believe in Me lights up with the excitement of our annual Grant Awards Ceremony. But the celebration doesn’t end there! Once our grantees accept their awards, the next chapter begins with our much-anticipated Check Presentation. This event is a heartfelt continuation of our commitment to supporting organizations across Idaho, Washington, and Oregon that are making a difference in the lives of marginalized youth. It’s a cherished tradition that allows us to meet our grantees face-to-face, recognize their dedication, and celebrate their alignment with our Five Pillars of Caring.
The Check Presentation is more than just a ceremonial handing over of funds. It’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on each organization’s incredible work and the positive impact they are creating. Through photos, videos, and meaningful conversations, we capture the essence of each grantee’s mission and the ways they empower youth in our communities.
Our Five Pillars of Caring: A Shared Vision for Empowering Youth
At the heart of Believe in Me are our Five Pillars of Caring: Basic Human Needs, Love & Belonging, Community Support, Education, and Enrichment. These pillars guide our mission to support programs that provide safety, security, and opportunities for growth to youth facing various challenges.
During each Check Presentation, our grantees have the chance to share how their programs embody one or more of these pillars. Whether they’re offering a safe haven to children in crisis, creating a nurturing environment for learning, or providing enriching activities that foster creativity, each organization aligns with our vision of empowering youth to overcome adversity and reach their potential. Hearing directly from our grantees about their work is both inspiring and humbling, reaffirming why we do what we do.
Basic Human Needs
Programs that support youth with essential needs like food, shelter, and emotional security align with our Basic Human Needs pillar. These services provide comfort, stability, and safety, reminding young people that they are seen and cared for, even in challenging times.
Love & Belonging
Organizations focusing on family, friendship, and advocacy support our Love & Belonging pillar. These programs foster strong bonds and a sense of belonging, creating a foundation of love and support that every child deserves.
Community Support
Programs that offer resilience-building resources, transition support, and trauma recovery align with our Community Support pillar. These initiatives provide a pathway to healing and a steadfast network of guidance for youth as they navigate life’s hurdles.
Education
Educational programs under this pillar empower youth by providing essential skills, tutoring, and leadership opportunities. By boosting confidence and self-esteem, these programs set young people on a path to a bright future.
Enrichment
From music to sports, Enrichment programs offer diverse activities that spark joy and encourage self-discovery. These experiences help youth connect, explore passions, and envision a future filled with limitless possibilities.
Capturing the Moment: Photos and Home-Grown Videos
The Check Presentation wouldn’t be complete without capturing these moments of joy and inspiration on camera. During each meeting, we take photos and record a home-grown video where our grantees share their mission, their goals, and the incredible ways they are impacting young lives. These videos aren’t just recordings; they’re windows into the heart of each organization’s work and its alignment with Believe in Me’s Five Pillars of Caring.
Each grantee’s story is unique, and we’re honored to help amplify their voices through these videos. This documentation allows our grantees to share their journey with the Believe in Me community, offering donors, supporters, and fellow nonprofits a glimpse into the transformative work taking place. These stories are a testament to the resilience, dedication, and compassion that drive our grantees to make a difference every day.
Meeting Our Grantees: The Highlight of Our Year
With grantees spanning Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, coordinating these presentations is no small task, but it’s one we eagerly anticipate each year. The Check Presentation gives us the opportunity to meet our grantees face-to-face, hear their stories, and witness firsthand the impact of their work. It’s an experience filled with connection, gratitude, and inspiration.
For the Believe in Me team, the Check Presentation is a highlight of the year. We’re continuously amazed by the dedication and ingenuity of each organization we support, and these face-to-face meetings deepen our appreciation for their mission. Each conversation, photo, and video recording captures a moment of celebration and a shared commitment to a brighter future for marginalized youth.
Why the Check Presentation Matters
The Check Presentation goes beyond the act of granting funds; it’s a meaningful expression of Believe in Me’s values. Here’s why this tradition is so important to everyone involved:
For Our Grantees: It’s a chance to celebrate their hard work, share their mission, and connect with the Believe in Me community. This recognition reinforces their impact and provides a platform for them to share their goals and dreams.
For Believe in Me: It strengthens our relationship with the organizations we fund, reminding us of the real-world impact our grants enable. Meeting our grantees face-to-face is a powerful reminder of why we’re committed to supporting programs that empower marginalized youth.
For Our Community and Donors: These moments of connection and storytelling provide transparency and offer an inspiring look at how their contributions are making a difference. Seeing the faces and hearing the voices of those directly involved in the programs reinforces the power of their support.
Spreading Hope, Building Community
The Check Presentation is more than a formal event; it’s a celebration of shared purpose, community, and hope. Each presentation is a reminder that we’re part of something larger—a collective effort to support marginalized youth and help them thrive. Through these presentations, we not only recognize the hard work of our grantees but also inspire others to join us in creating lasting change.
By celebrating our grantees’ achievements, we reinforce our commitment to Believe in Me’s mission of empowering marginalized youth. It’s a privilege to support programs that make a difference, and we’re honored to stand beside our grantees as they continue their impactful work.
Closing Reflections: A Season of Joy and Gratitude
As we close each Check Presentation, we’re filled with a sense of joy and gratitude. These presentations mark the culmination of months of dedication, and they bring our community together in celebration. We’re grateful to each grantee for their unwavering commitment to creating a better world for marginalized youth and honored to support them on their journey.
The Check Presentation is a testament to the power of collaboration, trust, and shared purpose. Together, with our grantees, donors, and supporters, we’re building a brighter future for youth across Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. This cherished tradition will continue to be a highlight of our year, a reminder of the incredible work being done, and a celebration of the hope we’re all striving to create.
Here’s to another year of inspiration, impact, and unity—one check, one story, and one shared mission at a time.
