Engaging youth in philanthropy
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of the Community Foundation is comprised of 24 high school students representing Fremont, Grant, Hesperia, Newaygo, and White Cloud public high schools and the homeschooling community. Each school typically has one student representing each grade 9-12 (for a total of four students).
YAC members—casually known as “YACers”—advise the board on issues regarding area youth and evaluate YAC grant applications. Students meet at the Community Foundation once a month to work as a team, develop leadership skills, and have fun!
Through the year, YACers work in the areas of community service, public relations, and grantmaking and evaluation. Since our YAC began in 1994, 190 youth have served on the committee and they have granted more than $1 million to address the needs of local youth.
Visit our YAC grant page to learn more about YAC’s funding priorities and how to apply for a grant.
For more information about YAC, contact advisors Patti Wheater and Trisha Somers.
Interested in joining YAC?
YAC is looking for current eighth graders who have leadership potential and want to make a difference in their community! Applications are due April 11.
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