In 2023, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) granted the largest amount in its history: $110,600 in awards. Our YAC’s 20 high school students from Northwest Ottawa County give of their time as they meet throughout the year to assess issues prevalent to area youth, review grant proposals that benefit youth organizations, and look for opportunities to engage and empower young people.

“The Youth Advisory Council was created to educate youth about philanthropy and engage them in the grantmaking process,” said Hadley Streng, GHACF President, who was also part of the initial W.K. Kellogg Foundation Youth Challenge for Community Foundations to establish the youth endowment fund. “The endowment has grown to be one of the largest YACs in Michigan, resulting in significant funding provided to various programs impacting youth. We are inspired by our youth leaders and how the members of YAC intentionally and passionately care for youth in our community.”

This work could not be done without generous donors to our Youth Fund. To become part of the long heritage of donors who support the grants made by our YAC members, please visit GHACF.org/Donate.

Read the release to see the 2023 Grants!