We have officially launched our inaugural Youth in Philanthropy Program this week with a leadership retreat held at Charmed Custom Candles in Old Central School in Grand Rapids.
Seven students from Grand Rapids High School and Hill City High School were selected to serve on the Foundation’s first-ever Youth Advisory Board for the 2026-2027 school year. They are (pictured left to right) Artemis Mercado, Chloe Marinaro, Elias Curtiss, Claire Reilly, Patrick Pogorelc, Lucy Kabotoff, and Callan Rutherford.
The retreat provided an opportunity for the students to connect with one another, learn about philanthropy, and begin preparing for a year of leadership, community engagement, and grantmaking. The Youth in Philanthropy program empowers high school students to learn how philanthropy works while helping direct real funding to youth-serving programs in the Greater Itasca Area.
Throughout the school year, Youth Advisory Board members will explore community needs, learn about nonprofit organizations, review grant requests, and help make funding recommendations that support programs benefiting local youth. Students will gain firsthand experience in leadership, civic engagement, and charitable decision-making while working alongside community leaders and Foundation staff.
“This program gives young people a meaningful voice in shaping the future of our community,” said Kelly Shreve, GRACF’s Development and Communications Manager “By involving students directly in philanthropy and grantmaking, we’re investing not only in today’s youth, but also in the next generation of community leaders.”
The Foundation will formally introduce the inaugural Youth Advisory Board during its Sparks of Change celebration on Thursday, September 24, at CoHaus. The event will highlight the power of community philanthropy and showcase the students selected to participate in this groundbreaking new program.
Ticket sales and donations to the Sparks of Change Campaign will support both the Youth in Philanthropy Program and the Foundation Fund. These gifts will help provide future grant opportunities for youth-serving organizations while strengthening the Foundation’s ability to respond to emerging community needs.
Community members interested in supporting youth leadership and local philanthropy are encouraged to attend the Sparks of Change event and learn more about the impact of the Foundation’s newest initiative. You can purchase event tickets and donate directly to the Sparks of Change campaign HERE. Questions can be directed to Kelly Shreve at Kelly.Shreve@gracf.org or 218.999.9100.
