About the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a group of local high school students who are responsible for reviewing funding requests submitted to the Community Foundation, and recommending grants for programs that benefit area youth. 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.

YAC members meet at least once a month during the school year for grantmaking, site visits to local organizations, and learning about community needs and philanthropy. The YAC is enriched by the unique perspective and experiences that each member brings to the Committee’s work. Empowering Youth Global Connection, Hand2Hand, and CultureWorks are among the organizations that have recently been visited by the YAC. Members also participated in an Earth Day clean-up in partnership with ODC Network.

Open Seats in 2024

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) seeks qualified candidates to fill the following openings in 2024:

• 2 seats open to current 9th or 10th grade students at Holland High School.
• 2 seats open to current 9th or 10th grade students at Zeeland East High School.
• 1 seat open to current 9th or 10th grade student at Holland Christian High School.
• Up to 2 seats open to current 9th or 10th grade students who are residents of the Holland/Zeeland area and attend homeschool, remote school, or school of choice outside our community.

Selection Process

In selecting new members, the YAC looks for young people who:

• Care about the community and want to make a difference.
• Bring diverse perspectives to our YAC are open-minded, critical thinkers able to discuss tough issues and creative solutions.
• 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.

All applications are due by April 12, 2024.

APPLY NOW

All applicants will be notified of final decisions by the end of May. If you have any questions about the application or the YAC, please contact Yadah V. Ramirez at yramirez@cfhz.org or 616.994.8862.