The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF) is proud to announce the launch of its Youth in Philanthropy Program, a hands‑on leadership and grantmaking initiative that empowers local high school students to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of the Greater Itasca Area.
Youth in Philanthropy places students at the center of real‑world philanthropy. Through the program, a select cohort of high school students will serve on a Youth in Philanthropy Advisory Board, gaining firsthand experience in how community foundations operate while helping direct real grant dollars to youth‑serving organizations across the region.
Supported through GRACF’s annual Sparks of Change campaign, the Youth in Philanthropy Program reflects the Foundation’s belief that philanthropy is not reserved for a select few—and that young people bring valuable insight, energy, and leadership to addressing community needs.
“Youth in Philanthropy is about more than learning how grantmaking works. It’s about helping young people see themselves as decision‑makers, leaders, and changemakers—today and in the future. It will give them insight into the nonprofit world, community service, community needs, and working together to help solve those needs.” – Mindy Nuhring, Executive Director of GRACF.
In 2026, 50 percent of all funds raised through the Sparks of Change campaign will support Youth in Philanthropy, helping empower the next generation of community leaders and grantmakers. The remaining funds will strengthen the GRACF Foundation Fund, ensuring the Community Foundation has the resources needed to continue serving the region and supporting local nonprofits.
High school students in grades 9–12 across the Greater Itasca Area are invited to apply for the Youth in Philanthropy Advisory Board. Selected students will gain hands‑on experience by exploring local youth issues, reviewing grant applications, helping allocate funding, and building leadership and decision‑making skills alongside nonprofit and community leaders. Applications are open May 1–June 15, 2026, with the program running September 2026 through May 2027.
Community members, families, and businesses can also play a vital role by supporting the Youth in Philanthropy Program. Donor contributions strengthen youth leadership and civic engagement, fund youth‑led grants to local organizations, and help ensure a strong future for the Greater Itasca Area through GRACF’s Sparks of Change campaign.
For more information or to donate, visit gracf.org/youthinphilanthropy or contact Kelly Shreve at Kelly.Shreve@GRACF.org or 218‑999‑9100.
