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Planting Seeds of Humanity:

Charity for Change is Bringing Back HUMANITY

by Karen Conley,
Founder, President & CEO of Charity for Change

hildren today are growing up in a world that feels increasingly In 2025, this approach to character education reached more than
negative. Bullying, loneliness, anxiety and mounting academic 25,500 students across 451 schools in over 30 Florida counties and 13
Cpressures threaten not only how students learn, but how they states.
see themselves and one another. For many families, especially those Impact Inside & Beyond the Classroom
with limited access to mental wellness and enrichment resources, The impact of the Charity for Change program is measurable and
these challenges can seem overwhelming. meaningful. Teachers recently surveyed rated the program highly across
Charity for Change exists to meet this challenge, with hope, key outcomes, based on a 10 point scale:
purpose, and proven solutions. Character Development: 9.26
Humanity in a Challenging World Learning Environment: 9.32
Founded in 2008 on a simple yet powerful belief – that if children Self-Esteem: 8.8
are taught to care about each other and their world around them, Resiliency: 8.94
success will follow – Charity for Change has grown from two pilot Mental Well-Being: 8.82
schools participating in the program into a far-reaching movement Additionally, nearly 99% of students showed improvement in the
cultivating character, empathy and resiliency. Since its inception, nine core character traits that anchor the curriculum. Beyond the
more than 160,000 elementary-aged children across the country have classroom, students have raised more than $150,000 for over 100
participated in the Charity for Change character education program. community charities, transforming learning into real-world generosity
At the heart of the program are nine core character traits: and helping children see how their actions can make a positive
• Citizenship difference for others.
• Cooperation Growing the Next Generation
• Integrity What began as a seed with an idea has blossomed into a robust
• Kindness network of educators, schools and community-based partnerships
• Perseverance committed to the success and mental well-being of our children. And
• Respect Charity for Change is continuing to grow.
• Responsibility By 2027, Charity for Change is on track to serve 75,000 children
• Self-Control annually through expanded partnerships with school districts,
• Tolerance community organizations and key programs, including Boys & Girls
Practical examples of these traits are integrated with charitable Clubs and YMCAs.
involvement and academics, ensuring students not only learn about With continued support, Charity for Change will keep planting
character and generosity but also practice them every day. seeds of humanity, ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow in
Through weekly lessons, project-based activities, the engaging confidence and resilience so they can thrive in the years ahead. Together,
GiverTV video series, opportunities for charitable giving and more, we are helping to shape a future defined not by division and anxiety, but
students build confidence, empathy and resilience – key skills that are by empathy and humanity.
essential to their success in school, future careers and life.
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