What is the JCF Youth Advisory Committee?

The JCF Youth Advisory Committee (or YAC) is a youth-focused and youth-administered committee within the Jackson Community Foundation (JCF). Its purpose is to address the needs of youth in Jackson County by awarding grants to community organizations that benefit youth. At the same time, it provides the students involved in the program an opportunity to volunteer their time and talents to better their community while developing philanthropic leadership skills and valuable experience. This experience will carry over into their adult lives and strengthen philanthropy in our communities.

The YAC program was established in 1989 through a challenge grant from the Michigan Community Foundation Youth Project (MCFYP) funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Kellogg’s intent was to build community foundation capacity, establish youth as philanthropists and build permanent endowment funds to meet youth-related needs within each community.

In addition, the YAC functions as a grant review board, evaluating and making recommendations to the Jackson Community Foundation Board of Trustees for grant requests they receive. There are two grant applications, one for up to $5,000 and one for requests over $5,000. In addition, the YAC's Mini-Grants program grants up to $300 to K-12 students. This unique program originated here at JCF and is now replicated around the state.

Who Can Participate?

The Youth Advisory Committee is comprised of Jackson County students ranging in age from 12 - 21, with the majority being between the ages of 14 and 18. JCF is committed to involving a wide range of students representing the geographic, socio-economic, ethnic and educational makeup of the Jackson community. The Committee involves approximately 25 students representing all county public school districts as well as parochial and home-schooling options.