Youth Grantmaking

In 2019, we announced the launch of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (also known as the KZCF YAC). We are honored to work alongside and learn from youth leaders throughout Kalamazoo County in this capacity and support youth-oriented grantmaking with an equity analysis.

For nearly 30 years, the partnership between Kalamazoo Community Foundation and United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region through the Youth United Way (YUW) program has ensured youth have a voice, opportunities to grow and direct impact through grantmaking in Kalamazoo County. Nonprofits who previously applied for program/project funding through YUW, now may apply through KZCF YAC's annual request for proposal (RFP) process in March.

Be a Youth Advisory Council Leader!

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (KZCF YAC) is seeking applications for high school students to join our team of youth leaders from across Kalamazoo County! The KZCF YAC gives high school students a chance to build leadership capacity, connect with youth from across the county, learn about issues of social, economic, and racial justice, and to participate in equitable grantmaking with our nonprofit partners.

YAC members have the chance to attend leadership development trainings, volunteer, attend site visits to our partner organizations and participate in fun team-building activities. Bi-weekly meetings take place on Thursdays from 6-7:30pm. Meetings are held in-person at KZCF (402 East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007).

Youth Advisory Council

What is the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)?

The YAC is a unique opportunity to learn about community philanthropy, grantmaking, social justice, volunteerism and a place to help you develop and strengthen your leadership skills. No relations to the long-haired domesticated bovine called Yak.

What Will You Gain?

• Understanding of youth movement building.
• Individual and group leadership skills.
• Professional and personal development opportunities.
• Understanding of the work of philanthropic community foundations and how to apply an equity lens to grantmaking practices.
• A network of relationships with youth and professional leaders in Kalamazoo.

What Do We Focus On?

We are committed to funding organizations that have a strong focus on racial justice and education. This means that for the young members of our community who have been marginalized, we must correct imbalances, expand opportunities and improve access to resources, which will make our systems work better for everyone. For more information, please refer to our Granting Priorities page.

What Will We Do?

Lead youth grantmaking process – determine youth grantmaking priorities, solicit and assess grant applications; make recommendations to fund projects that support youth in Kalamazoo County. Learn about the work of our nonprofit partners and how they make an impact on youth in Kalamazoo. Assess the needs of local youth. Support the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's direct engagement with youth and funding of youth-focused work. Connect with state-wide network of youth advisory councils through the Council of Michigan Foundations' annual summer youth conference. Participate in fun team building activities.

Who Should Join?

High school students in Kalamazoo County (public, private, home school or unschooled). Interested participants, please fill out the contact form below to learn more.