Grand Rapids Community Foundation and its Board of Trustees are deeply enriched by the involvement of Youth Trustees. Selected from the Youth Grant Committee (YGC), these students first serve a year as trustees-in-training before stepping into a full voting role for a one-year term. We are grateful to involve local high school students who bring fresh perspectives and valuable insight to the table.
Since 2003, Youth Trustees have played an important role on the Board, offering lived experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges their peers face. By intentionally including younger voices, the Community Foundation fosters meaningful dialogue across generations. This not only shapes our present work but also cultivates the next generation of changemakers.
Meet Elaina
In July, we welcomed Elaina Juarez as Youth Trustee for the 2025-2026 year. As a full voting member on the Board of Trustees, she will share her perspective and insights, representing the voices of local students.
Elaina is a senior at Godwin Heights High School and joined the Youth Grant Committee (YGC)—the advisory committee for the Community Foundation’s Youth Fund—as a freshman. She learned about the opportunity from her teacher and was inspired to support her peers and understand how grants work.
“I am passionate about my community and especially the youth,” she said. “I want to help uplift non-profit organizations to better benefit the youth and people of our community.”
Each year, YGC members meet and assess youth issues, develop a request for proposals process to address those needs, follow up with previous grantees, conduct interviews and site visits and award grants. The most recent grant awards included support for Black Book Exchange Box, Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities and more.
Elaina has grown throughout her 3 years as a YGC member and learned the importance of effective communication. “I learned how to be clear and purposeful with my words,” she said. “When making these big decisions like we do at the YGC, communicating your points is vital, especially when presenting.”
Chantal Pasag, program officer and leader of the Youth Grant Committee speaks to the growth she has seen. “Elaina has been a very active and dedicated student in YGC. She continues to grow her confidence in articulating the needs of Youth in our communities and continues to make an impact by participating in other programs like G-Club - a volunteer group run through her school and volunteer tutoring opportunities,” said Chantal.
In addition to YGC, Elaina participates in the Trio Talent Search program, the National Honors Society and Fashion Club.
We’re excited to see Elaina thrive in her new role as Youth Trustee. Her leadership and passion are a powerful reminder of the impact young people have on shaping the future of philanthropy. We’re grateful for all the youth—past, present and future—who help guide the work of Grand Rapids Community Foundation.