YAC | Four County Community Foundation

Four County Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a part of our Foundation whose membership is entirely made up of youth from the community. More than 30 years ago, in efforts to increase the giving capacity of community foundations throughout Michigan, and to engage youth in grantmaking, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation sponsored a Youth Challenge for Community Foundations to grow youth endowment funds. These endowment funds were to be used exclusively for grants allocated by youth advisory committees for local nonprofits’ youth programming.

Today, there are more than 1,500 young people serving on 86 youth grantmaking committees, with endowment fund assets exceeding $62 million. These youth grantmaking committees are a subcommittee of a Community Foundation with a permanently endowed youth fund. They are composed of youth members ages 12-21 who review and allocate grant dollars to local non-profits’ youth programming.

Our 4CCF YAC has been in existence since 1990. Throughout the years, about 180 young philanthropists have participated. They have granted over $760,000 to area schools and non-profit organizations!

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Apply Now! If you are an area student in grades 7-12 and enjoy helping others in your community, become a part of our YAC! Applications to join YAC are open throughout the year. We would love to have you join us!

•Fill out this printable APPLICATION and return by mail or email

OR

•Complete an online application HERE

The 4CCF YAC is involved in many philanthropic activities throughout the communities we serve. Recently, YAC members have shopped for and wrapped gifts and household necessities to a family in need; packed Comfort Bags distributed to children experiencing trauma and volunteered at food distributions and much more. Each quarter, YAC members review grant requests for programs that benefit our local youth. Our YAC reviews 20-30 grant requests annually and awards $40,000 in grants each year!

All YAC service hours can be considered community service and, if you serve with our YAC for two or more years, you are eligible to apply for a Leadership in Philanthropy Scholarship during your senior year. This generous award is the Foundation’s way of thanking our young philanthropists!

YAC Application

YAC Grants – W.K. Kellogg Youth Fund

Our Youth Advisory Committee reviews grant requests on a quarterly basis. If your non-profit organization has a program idea that benefits youth, consider applying!
Application deadlines are January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.

YAC is especially interested in reviewing and awarding student-written or student-driven grant requests, referred to as Grant Tank! The Grant Tank application requires a short video (1-3 minutes) highlighting a local need. It is easy and fun! Visit our Grants page to apply.

Go To Grants Page

YAC Scholarships – Leadership in Philanthropy

If you serve with our YAC for two or more years, you are eligible to apply for the Leadership in Philanthropy Scholarship during your senior year. Apply for this generous award through the scholarship page by March 1 of your senior year.

Our YAC reviews scholarship applications for three awards each spring. Scholarship applications are blindly reviewed by YAC members in grades 8-11. Our reviewers only read a submitted essay; they do not have access to other applicant information.

The scholarship deadline is March 1. Visit our Scholarship page to apply.

Go To Scholarships Page

Become a part of something great!

Our YAC is involved in many philanthropic activities throughout the communities we serve. Students collect and distribute necessities such as food, socks, and mittens during the winter holidays. They volunteer time to read to young students, help out at Victory Day, and serve at charitable events. All YAC service hours can be considered Community Service. If you are an active member of our YAC for two or more years, you are eligible to apply for a Leadership in Philanthropy Scholarship during your senior year. The generous award is our way of thanking our young volunteers!

We strive to have representation from each of the school districts in our community, including Almont, Armada, Capac, Dryden, Imlay City, Oxford, Richmond, and Romeo. Students in grades seven through twelve have the opportunity to take an active part in giving back to their community through membership in YAC. If you are interested in becoming a part of our Youth Advisory Committee, download, complete, and return the YAC application by mail or email. Applications to join YAC are accepted throughout the year.

YAC APPLICATION

To learn more about YAC opportunities or youth philanthropic events contact Four County Community Foundation.