Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council, also known as YAC, empowers young people in Barry County through leadership, service, philanthropy, volunteerism, and local grantmaking.
YAC members learn how charitable giving works, help direct grant funding, volunteer with local organizations, and represent their schools and communities.
What Is the Youth Advisory Council?
The Youth Advisory Council is a student-led Barry Community Foundation program that helps young people learn about philanthropy, leadership, community service, and grantmaking.
What Do YAC Members Do?
YAC members meet monthly from August through April.
During the year, members:
- Attend and participate in meetings
- Recommend and vote on grant funding
- Volunteer with local organizations
- Serve on boards and committees
- Support an annual fundraiser for a local nonprofit
- Teach other students about philanthropy
- Represent their school and community
- Build leadership skills and friendships
A Longstanding Commitment to Youth
Barry Community Foundation created the Youth Advisory Council in 1996 in response to a statewide challenge from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
YAC awarded its first grants in 1998. Since its creation, the Youth Advisory Council has granted more than $600,000 to youth-related programs.
We Equip the Community
Leadership Barry County also supports the wider community through educational workshops and connection opportunities.
Programs may include:
- Workshops for people considering public office
- Connections between nonprofits and prospective board members
- Community leadership education
- Networking and relationship-building opportunities
Ways to Get Involved
Apply for a Grant
Eligible organizations can learn about YAC grant opportunities and apply through the Barry Community Foundation.
Donate to the YAC Fund
Gifts to the Youth Advisory Council Fund help support youth leadership, philanthropy, and grants for youth-related programs.
Join the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Students can apply to become YAC members and represent their schools and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the Youth Advisory Council?
YAC is for students in Barry County who want to develop leadership skills, volunteer, learn about philanthropy, and help make a difference in their community.
What do YAC members do?
Members meet monthly, volunteer, recommend grants, vote on funding, serve on committees, and help teach others about philanthropy.
Does YAC give grants?
Yes. YAC members help recommend and vote on grants that support youth-related programs in Barry County.
When does YAC meet?
YAC meets monthly from August through April. Current meeting dates should be displayed through a downloadable calendar or dynamic event listing.
Learn More About Yac
View Annual Reports
Use the button below to access our past Youth Advisory Council annual reports.
Questions About the Youth Advisory Council?
If you have questions or need assistance, we are here to help.
Haili Trowbridge
Youth Program Officer
The Bridge
Contact Information
Barry Community Foundation
231 S. Broadway St.
Hastings, MI 49058
