Individual Gift
Student StepUp: Invest in Youth, Empower Local Businesses
Your gift helps young people build real job skills and fuels small business growth in our community. Each summer, CACCI's Youth Division runs a 7-week program for 25 motivated young people (ages 16–24). Guided by mentors and professionals, these youth learn by doing — working in teams to support 5–6 local small businesses with projects that improve marketing, technology, or operations. Your donation makes this program free for all participants.
8
Week Program
Intensive hands-on workforce training each summer
25
Youth Participants
Motivated young people ages 16–24
6
Small Businesses
Local businesses supported each cycle
Real Projects, Real Impact
Your support enables student teams to tackle meaningful projects that create lasting change for local businesses and the community. Each project is tailored to a real business's needs, and students solve real-world problems, and business owners receive tangible solutions they can continue using long after the program ends.
Building a Business Website
Bringing a family-run shop or restaurant online for the first time to reach more customers.
Launching a Marketing Campaign
Creating social media pages, digital ads, or email newsletters to boost sales and visibility.
Improving Operations
Setting up customer databases or modernizing point-of-sale systems for greater efficiency.
Community Events & Outreach
Organizing pop-up markets or events that connect small businesses with new patrons.
Your Gift's Impact
Every donation creates a ripple effect — transforming individual lives, strengthening businesses, and building a more vibrant community.
🎓 For Local Youth
New skills, confidence, and connections. Participants gain know-how in digital marketing, business planning, and teamwork, bolstering their resumes with real project experience. Many finish with references, job or college opportunities, and a clearer career path.
🏪 For Small Businesses
Modern tools and fresh ideas at no cost to the business. Past participants have helped owners attract new customers, save time through technology, and increase their online engagement.
🌆 For the Community
A stronger local economy and talent pipeline. The program grows the next generation of diverse business leaders and fosters economic opportunity in Brooklyn.
Why Individual Gifts Matter
Your Gift Is Catalytic
Large grants and corporate sponsors provide a foundation, but individual donations fill critical gaps. Community gifts give us the flexibility to respond to real needs as they arise, ensuring every student and small business is served to the fullest. Even a modest donation has a direct, immediate impact this summer.
Your Gift Enables Us To:
- Offer more hands-on project materials and technology for students
- Cover daily necessities like MetroCards and lunches so all youth can attend without barriers
- Respond to unplanned needs, like an extra field trip or a new small business needing help
- Keep the program entirely free for all participants
Choose Your Impact – Giving Levels
Select the contribution that's right for you. Every dollar goes directly to program delivery and is fully tax-deductible. You can choose a one-time donation or opt for a monthly gift, for instance, $100/month becomes $1,200 over a year.
100%
Tax Deductible
Every dollar you give is fully tax-deductible
100%
Goes to Program
All funds go directly to program delivery
0%
Cost to Participants
The program is completely free for all youth and businesses
Ready to Help Build the Future?
Your generosity will directly shape the career paths of local youth and the success of neighborhood businesses. Join us in this community investment.
Questions or Prefer to Give Offline?
We'd be happy to discuss your contribution and its impact. Reach out to us directly:
Donor Recognition: All donors will receive a personal thank-you and a summary of the program's outcomes. We will proudly recognize your support in our annual report or on the program webpage, or honor your anonymity if you prefer.
Thank you for considering a gift to support the CACCI Youth Division. Together, we can equip young people to succeed and help our local small businesses thrive.
