CINCINNATI, OH, July 22, 2026
Magnified Giving, a nonprofit dedicated to youth philanthropy, and the VIA Institute on Character, the global authority on character strengths, hosted "Building a Better World Through Strengths," a joint educator workshop held at MadTree Parks and Rec in Cincinnati. The full day event brought together 30 educators, nonprofit staff, and after school program leaders from across the region for a free, interactive professional development experience grounded in VIA's research based framework.
The two organizations describe the workshop as an example of what is possible when institutions with different areas of expertise work together on behalf of a shared community. Magnified Giving brought its deep relationships with regional teachers and program facilitators, while VIA brought decades of research and a validated framework for helping people recognize and apply their character strengths. Together, they built a day of learning tailored specifically to the educators and youth leaders in the room, rather than a generic presentation.
"What stood out most was how relevant the training felt to everyone in the room: teachers, nonprofit staff, and after school program leaders alike," said Mark Soeder, Director of Programs at Magnified Giving. "Partnering with VIA was fantastic. We were impressed by how thoughtfully they tailored the program to our specific audience. In my 28 years in the classroom, this was among the most valuable professional development experiences I've had, and it energized our teachers with new tools right as they head into the new school year."
"The professional development workshop was an inspiring and meaningful experience," said Alison Kaufman, CEO of Magnified Giving. "The partnership with VIA provided practical tools that educators can immediately bring into their classrooms while strengthening our focus on character, service, and student leadership. Collaboration like this is core to who we are. We know we can accomplish more for our region's youth when we work alongside organizations that share our commitment to their growth."
“At VIA, we believe character strengths have their greatest impact when the science is translated into everyday practice,” said Ashwani Dhar, CEO of the VIA Institute on Character. “This partnership with Magnified Giving is a wonderful example of that: equipping educators and youth leaders with practical tools to help young people discover, apply, and grow what is best in themselves and others. It’s exactly the kind of work that can strengthen individuals, communities, and ultimately our collective impact.”
For Magnified Giving, the workshop is also a direct extension of its mission to educate, inspire, and engage youth in philanthropy. By investing in the adults who lead young people every day, in classrooms, after school programs, and community organizations, Magnified Giving is strengthening the foundation that its youth philanthropy programs are built on. Educators who understand their own strengths, and know how to recognize strengths in others, are better equipped to help young people discover their own capacity for generosity, service, and leadership. The workshop, along with breakfast, lunch, and a closing networking reception, was offered at no cost to participants thanks to the generous support of The Mayerson Foundation.
About Magnified Giving
Founded in 2008 by philanthropist Roger Grein, Magnified Giving educates, inspires, and engages youth in philanthropy through hands-on service, leadership, and grantmaking experiences. Since its founding, youth participating in Magnified Giving programs have directed $2,323,664.25 in grants to community nonprofits. During the 2025-2026 school year, Magnified Giving facilitated 175 Youth Philanthropy Programs and engaged more than 5,000 young people in service and philanthropy education. Learn more at www.magnifiedgiving.org.
About the VIA Institute on Character
VIA Institute on Character is a nonprofit organization and the global authority on Character Strengths. We translate science into practical tools, frameworks, and community that inspire individuals to lead with what is best in themselves and others. Founded in 2000, VIA developed the VIA Classification of 24 Character Strengths and the VIA Survey, a scientifically validated assessment that has been taken by more than 40 million people worldwide. Today, VIA’s research and resources are used by individuals, practitioners, educators, researchers, and organizations across more than 190 countries to bring the science of character strengths into everyday life. Learn more at www.viacharacter.org.
Media Contact
Lindsey Barta, Director of Communications, Magnified Giving lindsey@magnifiedgiving.org
Sara Webb, Marketing Manager, VIA Institute on Character saraw@viacharacter.org