ABOUT the fund

The Howie Stillman Young Leadership Fund was established in the summer of 1986 by a group of Howie’s friends. It is a permanent memorial to a young man who touched the lives of so many with his warmth, courage, and optimism. Each year interest earned from the fund is used to sponsor an annual lecture given by a prominent journalist which is FREE and open to the public. This lecture is in recognition of Howie's aspiring career as a journalist. For more information about this annual event and to learn about past speakers click ANNUAL LECTURE.

In addition, the fund supports an annual youth leadership award. Members of The Howie Stillman Young Leadership Fund Committee search the Twin Cities for a high school senior who is a member of a Twin Cities' synagogue youth group or BBYO chapter and exhibits the strong leadership, friendship, and other outstanding qualities that Howie possessed. To be nominated for this award is truly an amazing honor. Each year the nominees are recognized at the ANNUAL LECTURE. Click LEADERSHIP AWARD for more information about those who have received this prestigious award.

In recognition of Howie's love for journalism, the fund supports need-based scholarships to students at the University of Minnesota School of Journalism. Howie also had a passion for summer camps, especially Herzl Camp in Webster, Wisconsin and Camp Ramah in Conover, Wisconsin. The fund provides scholarships so more children can have a summer camp experience. Financial assistance has also been given to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota. In recognition of the 20th anniversary, the Howie Stillman Young Leadership Fund embarked on its largest philanthropic project by teaming up with "Free The Children", an organization committed to improving children’s education in third world countries. A designated portion of the fund included adopting a community in Kenya. For more information about these projects and other programs the fund supports click on CHARITABLE PROGRAMS.