The Youth Action Committee ("YAC") is an advisory committee of the Capital Region Community Foundation, and grants money through the Community Foundation to fund and promote programs that help youth in the tri-county area. These young people range in age 13 - 18 and currently represent 14 school districts in the tri-county area. YAC members develop team-building and leadership skills through both serious and fun activities.
The main purpose of YAC is to decide, as grantmakers, where the Youth Fund dollars will best be put to use to help the youth of the tri-county area. Last year the YAC granted $50,200 to non-profit organizations in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties. The YAC also granted $3,199.71 in mini-grants to elementary schools.
Community service projects, that take place about every other month, are popular among YAC members. Past activities include working at a food distribution center, serving meals at a soup kitchen and hosting holiday parties for foster children. Through all their activities YAC members learn about volunteerism, philanthropy and community service.
The YAC is committed to involving a wide range of youth to represent the geographic, socio-economic, ethnic and educational differences in their community.
There are more than 1,500 young people from across the State of Michigan who are involved in granting money from the 86 permanently endowed youth funds established as a result of a challenge grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Our local YAC has an average of 25 members.
YAC meetings are held at the CRCF Office at 6035 Executive Drive Lansing MI 48911, generally on the 3rd Monday of each month from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, September thru May.
This is a fun way for high schoolers to meet and interact with their peers from other area schools, and there is no cost to be a member. All we ask is a time commitment and a willingness to help make a difference in the lives of other youth in our community.
For more information you may call the Foundation at (517) 272-2870.
YAC Attack 2007 Newsletter (PDF)
YAC Attack 2008 Newsletter (PDF)
Visit the Michigan Community Foundation Youth Fund homepage - mcfyp.org
