CFHZ’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a group of students from local Holland/Zeeland Area high schools who are responsible for reviewing funding requests and recommending grants for programs that benefit our community’s youth. YAC members meet once a month during the school year for grantmaking, site visits to local youth-serving organizations, and to learn about community needs and philanthropy.
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) seeks qualified candidates to fill the following openings in 2022:
- 3 seats open to current 9th or 10th grade students at West Ottawa High School.
- 2 seats open to current 9th or 10th grade students at Holland Christian High School.
- 2 seats open to current 9th or 10th grade students at Zeeland West High School.
- 1 seat open to a current 9th or 10th grade student at Holland High School.
- 1 seat open to a current 9th or 10th grade student at Black River Public Schools.
APPLY ONLINE HERE
Who should apply?
Young people who care about the community and want to make a difference; bring diverse perspectives; are open-minded, critical thinkers able to discuss tough issues and creative solutions; and demonstrate integrity and initiative in their actions and decisions.
Expectations of YAC members:
- Attend required grant meetings three times a year and the majority of all other YAC activities and meetings. YAC meetings are usually held from 5:30-7:30 pm on weeknights and dinner is provided.
- Come to meetings prepared and actively participate in decision-making and activities
- Be an advocate for the YAC, the Community Foundation, and the needs of youth in the Holland/Zeeland area
The YAC program was established in 1991 through a challenge grant from the Michigan Community Foundation Youth Project (MCFYP) funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The YAC made its first grant in 1993 to the Boys and Girls Club for $1,500. Since then, the YAC has granted over $1.3 million to local youth organizations. The mission of the YAC is to empower young people, involve them in the community and teach them about philanthropy while serving as stewards through granting.
Applications to join may be submitted online, and are due by May 1, 2023. For questions, please contact Yadah Ramirez, Program Officer/College Success Coach, at yramirez@cfhz.org or 616.396.6590 ext. 113.