4 minute read
FOR YOUTH, By Youth
Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Youth Grant Committee gathers students from schools across Kent County to support youth-led programs that improve the lives of youth in our community. YGC volunteers gain leadership experience while working as part of a diverse team to make impactful decisions.
During the school year, volunteer student leaders meet and assess youth issues, develop a request for proposal process to address those needs, meet with nonprofit leaders to conduct interviews and do site visits.
It's really a unique opportunity to learn about philanthropy, and it connects youth from across Grand Rapids,” says current YGC volunteer Lia Lin. “YGC invites them to come in and share experiences and thoughts to form a better community.
The committee then presents grant recommendations to the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees.
GRANTS FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH
From its first grant to today, our Youth Grant Committee has awarded more than $1.6 million dollars to local nonprofits supporting programs for youth. To inform their grantmaking priorities, the Youth Grant Committee conducts a Needs Assessment Survey of high schoolers in Kent County every other year. In the most recent survey, 785 local students participated and identified not only their top stressors but also what sorts of activities and supports relieve those worries.
YGC volunteers take the information from that Needs Assessment Survey and, through a robust grantmaking process, make decisions about where to recommend grants. In 2024, the committee recommended a total of $50,000 to 18 local nonprofits and organizations that align with the needs expressed by local youth. These conversations are not easy. Committee volunteers shared how much they appreciate the YGC being a place where youth are truly leading. Students lead meetings, engage in difficult discussions with their peers and ultimately make important decisions about where to move funds.
There’s a sad belief that's out there in our community that says: ‘I'm too young to make a difference. I don't have enough money to make a difference. I don't have the opportunity to make a difference.’ They don't feel like their voice is heard,” says Caebre Baty, YGC Executive Committee volunteer. “And I feel like YGC is that opportunity to have your voice heard, to have a seat at the table.
A Different Approach
Besides creating ways for students to engage in philanthropy through grantmaking and service, YGC is enhancing leadership qualities. Students are teaching each other about causes close to their hearts. They are modeling how to have difficult conversations and make decisions together.
YGC isn't just making a difference for the greater Grand Rapids community, but also for the people that are in it. YGC really helps you learn how to work as a team. I've never really met a more genuine and supportive group who's passionate about what they're doing,” Lia adds.
The committee is a great example for other youth and adult volunteer bodies. These student leaders are making important decisions in our community. They are demonstrating what it looks like to offer time, talent and treasure to causes they are passionate about. They are part of the story of giving back in our community. Youth are not just learning philanthropy; they are teaching it.
YGC is a group of students that are dedicated to making change now,” says Caebre. “Not waiting till they have money, not waiting till they hit a certain level. When you think of community, it's everybody chipping in. And I would say all these students like me are chipping in together. Helping that next generation to be successful leaders, learn new skills and set their own goals for a life that they can flourish from.
Read more about Youth Grant Committee, including the 2022 Needs Assessment Survey and the 2024 grant awards at GRFoundation.org/YGC
