Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council, also known as YAC, empowers young people (ages 13-18) 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 (ages 13-18) learn about philanthropy, leadership, community service, and grantmaking.
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.
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
Learn More About Yac
View Annual Reports
Use the button below to access our past Youth Advisory Council annual reports.
Ways to Get Involved
Join the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Students can apply to become YAC members and represent their schools and communities.
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.
Questions About the Youth Advisory Council?
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