Caileigh Lynn Mcdowell Foundation

Target demographics: Empower youth to transform political, social and economic systems and institutions to create a kinder, more equitable and just society for all.

Geographic areas served: Greater Pittsburgh Area

Programs: The Caileigh Lynn McDowell Foundation was created to honor the beautiful life of 17 year-old Woodland Hills High School senior Caileigh McDowell, who tragically passed away in April 2016 due to the catastrophic results of undiagnosed Crohn’s Disease. The foundation is working to transform political, social and economic systems and institutions to create a kinder, more equitable and just society for all. Every year The Caileigh Lynn McDowell awards Foundation Scholarships to honor Woodland Hills High School seniors that exemplifies the ability to find common ground with their classmates. Since 2016, $40,000 has been distributed. The Caileigh Lynn McDowell Foundation conducts non-partisan Pop-UP! Voter Registration events for 18 year old first-time voters. The foundation believes that this effort has a ripple effect in the families of these young people and also inspires their family members to register and vote. To date, Pop-UP! events have registered nearly 1000 students! A Mother’s Circle Bereavement Circle facilitated by The Caileigh Lynn McDowell Foundation takes place every month in the Greater Valley Community Space in Braddock, PA. This informal grief support circle serves dozens of individuals made up of families, moms, siblings, friends that have lost a child come together to help each other and share their sadness. The Caileigh Lynn McDowell Foundation Kindness Movement, launched in 2016 with the distribution of kindness cards and random acts of kindness. The foundation has distributed nearly 40,000 kindness cards nationally since 2016 and the attached random acts of kindness are immeasurable. The Caileigh Lynn McDowell Foundation Young Citizen of the Year Award is given to a young person who lives in Forest Hills, PA and has exemplified Caileigh Lynn McDowell’s genuine love for people, participates in community service and has a willingness to extend a hand to anyone in need.