Youth Advisory Committees
What is a YAC?
A Youth Advisory Committee. It’s a group of young people (middle school through high school age) who give grants to programs that help young people.
Our YAC is part of the Community Foundation of Marquette County. It is entirely made up of youth (6th – 12th graders) from our community. Established in the 1990s, our YAC was a result of the Kellogg Challenge, which was a challenge to all community foundations in Michigan. The Kellogg Foundation wanted youth involved in philanthropy, not just adults. And, The Kellogg Foundation felt being involved in granting would help youth understand the needs of a community and participate in improving that community.
Today there are close to 1,900 YAC members state wide in Michigan. We all look at areas of concern in our own communities and address them with grants. YAC raises money to give to programs in need that assist children. The Youth Advisory Council “helps young people develop generosity and leadership, and at the same time, build a stronger and more caring community.”
Want to Join a YAC? Great, We need people like you!
Are you…
- In grades 6-12th?
- Want volunteer and leadership experience?
- Like to help your community?
- Are able to work in a group setting?
Then contact Emma Schultz for more information or to apply.
Marquette Area Youth Advisory Council
Established in 1990 with a $100,000 lead gift from the Council of Michigan Foundations, the Marquette Area Youth Advisory Council provides support to youth related programs and activities in the Marquette area. The fund now holds over $500,000.
Marquette YAC Coordinator: Emma Schultz
Marquette Area Youth Advisory Council Highlights
Ishpeming Area Community Youth Advisory Council
Youth fund for Ishpeming was established in 1996 with a $25,000 match grant from the Michigan Community Foundations Youth Project. A $50,000 challenge grant was sent to the Kellogg Foundation in September of 1995. The challenge was to raise the full $50,000 by April 1 to receive the $25,000 match. “Reaching this goal is really a testament to the people of our community. This is a brand new organization and community funds are still new concept of our area” said Bob Marietti, fund co chair in March, 1996. Today this fund holds over $125,000.
Ishpeming Area Community YAC Highlights
Negaunee Area Community Youth Advisory Council
The Negaunee Youth Advisory Committee organized in 1995. It was formally established with a $25,000 match grant from the Michigan Community Foundations Youth Project received on March 20th, 1997. Today the fund totals over $155,000.
Negaunee YAC Coordinator: Amanda Kerry