Together We RiseEdit
Together We Rise is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youths who age out of the foster care system. The group mobilizes volunteers, corporate partners, and donors to deliver practical aid and opportunities for youth moving toward independence. Its work centers on providing essential resources—such as backpacks, school supplies, transportation, and access to higher education and career opportunities. As a private initiative, it operates outside the government welfare framework but seeks to fill gaps in public services and harness community energy at the local level. nonprofit organization philanthropy foster care
Supporters argue that private philanthropy can respond quickly, innovate, and tailor solutions to the needs of individual youths and communities in ways that centralized programs often cannot. They contend that empowering young people with tools to succeed creates durable social value and can reduce long-term costs to taxpayers. Critics, however, caution that charity alone cannot substitute for systemic reforms in the foster care system, education, and housing policy; they warn about uneven results, governance gaps, and the risk that donor-driven priorities may drift away from proven needs. From this viewpoint, a healthy civil society relies on a mix of voluntary action and accountable public policy to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. civil society corporate philanthropy education policy
From a policy perspective, Together We Rise sits at the intersection of voluntary action and public responsibility. It collaborates with schools, businesses, and other nonprofits to expand opportunities for foster youth while advocating for policies that improve transitions to adulthood. Proponents emphasize that well-designed private programs can complement public services, provide mentorship and practical support, and mobilize resources more flexibly than government programs alone. Critics may argue that reliance on charitable giving risks uneven coverage and can distract from broader reforms that structural systems require. foster care volunteerism corporate philanthropy
History and Development
The organization traces its roots to a grassroots effort in the late 2000s by volunteers seeking to channel private giving toward the needs of youths in the foster care system. Over the following decade, it expanded its reach through partnerships with schools, corporations, and other nonprofits, leveraging social networks and online campaigns to mobilize resources. A hallmark of its growth has been a broad-based, volunteer-driven model that emphasizes hands-on assistance—such as distributing resources directly to youths and supporting their education and workforce readiness. The expansion reflects a broader trend in civil society toward leveraging private philanthropy to fill gaps left by government programs in welfare-related areas. foster care volunteerism philanthropy
Programs and Initiatives
- Backpack and school-supplies campaigns designed to ease the transition to school and reduce immediate material obstacles for foster youth. These efforts are typically coordinated with schools and community partners to ensure students have the basics needed to participate fully in education. foster care
- Mentoring and career-readiness programs that pair youths with volunteers and professionals to provide guidance, tutoring, and internship or job-shadow opportunities. These activities emphasize personal development, time management, and long-term planning. mentoring
- College scholarships, financial aid navigation, and workforce development initiatives aimed at expanding access to higher education and viable career pathways. These programs focus on reducing barriers to success after aging out of the system. college scholarship education policy
- Emergency resources, housing assistance, and transitional supports intended to stabilize youths during critical periods of transition. These offerings are designed to reduce risk factors associated with homelessness or unstable living arrangements. housing policy
- Advocacy, policy engagement, and collaborative projects with other organizations to address systemic issues in the foster care system and related public services. public policy nonprofit organization
Organizational structure and funding are shaped by private donations, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising campaigns. The governance typically includes a board of directors and committees focused on financial oversight, program evaluation, and compliance with charitable regulations. The organization positions itself within the broader landscape of philanthropy as a practitioner-oriented actor that seeks tangible outcomes in education, health, and independence for former foster youth. nonprofit organization philanthropy corporate philanthropy
Controversies and Debates
A central debate surrounding groups like Together We Rise concerns the proper balance between private charity and public responsibility in welfare programs. Proponents of the charity-centric approach argue that voluntary action can move faster, tailor programs to local conditions, and spur private innovation without adding to the regulatory burden on government. Critics contend that reliance on philanthropic funding can create gaps in coverage, produce uneven results across communities, and obscure the need for systemic reform in areas such as child welfare, housing, and education policy. They also point to questions of governance, transparency, and accountability—areas where charitable organizations are expected to provide clear reporting of program outcomes and financial stewardship. Some observers worry about the potential for donor influence to shape program priorities in ways that do not optimally serve all youths.
Supporters of the right-of-center emphasis on results argue that the main test of such organizations is whether they help youths achieve independence, education, and stable employment. They caution against overemphasizing ideology or identity-centered narratives at the expense of practical outcomes like graduation rates, job placement, and stable housing. Critics who label these efforts as part of a broader cultural or political project occasionally charge that philanthropic campaigns can become platforms for broader social agendas. From this perspective, such critiques are often overstated or misdirected; the focus should remain on measurable impact and efficient use of resources.
When confronted with allegations framed in terms of “woke” activism within philanthropy, proponents of the approach described here contend that the primary objective is helping youths achieve tangible, long-term success. They argue that while attention to equity and inclusion is important, it should not overshadow the central aim of improving education, career readiness, and independence for foster youth. In their view, focusing on outcomes—rather than ideological labeling—produces better results for the individuals served and for taxpayers who fund public services. The emphasis stays on practical supports and accountable governance, which are presented as core competencies of effective private charity. foster care education policy transparency form 990