Youth Advisory Committee Grants

Community Funds

Starting an Endowment

What is the Youth Advisory Committee?

The Ionia County Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Committee is composed of students representing high schools located in Ionia County. We are committed to addressing and improving problems concerning young people, by funding programs directed toward youth. Membership on the Youth Advisory Committee is open to Belding, Ionia, Lakewood, Portland, and Saranac youth. The Youth Advisory Committee is affiliated with the Ionia County Community Foundation.

The members of the Youth Advisory Committee are concerned with the status of the youth in our community. We wish to promote positive youth action by generating youth involvement.

What we fund?

A total of $6,250 is available for grants. Grants will be awarded for projects that address drug and/or alcohol use, teen pregnancy, smoking/tobacco use, and plans for life after high school.

Focus groups conducted by the Youth Advisory Committee at five high schools during the fall of 2002 indicated a clear and urgent need for a "teen center" in Ionia County.

Who is eligible to apply for a grant?

The Ionia County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee is offering student groups and local nonprofit organizations (with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status), an opportunity to apply for grants. Grants will be made with income derived from the Ionia County Community Foundation Youth Fund.

What makes a good grant proposal?

Grant proposals should assist the applying organization to implement a project or program that benefits youth. Proposals developed by youth or with youth involvement in planning are acceptable. The proposed project or program should:

Have clear goals.
Impact a significant number of Ionia County youth from birth to age 18.
Avoid duplication with other projects and programs in the community.
Address an issue and make a significant difference for youth.

In addition, the applying organization and its participants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, but not limited to, gender, religion, physical disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

When are applications available?

Typically the Request for Proposals (RFP) is available in late December and proposals are due in mid-February. Grant awards are announced in May.

If you have questions or would like additional information please contact the Youth Program Associate, Cris Kooyer, at Grand Rapids Community Foundation, at 616.454.1751 x118 or email her at .

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

For good. For ever.