Youth Advisory Council Grants
Barry Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, also known as YAC, provides grants to local nonprofit organizations that benefit young people in Barry County.
YAC gives young people a direct role in local philanthropy. Through regular grants and mini grants, youth representatives help identify needs, describe proposed projects, and support programs that make a positive difference for other young people.
Grant Details
| Detail | Regular Grants | Mini Grants |
|---|---|---|
| Who Benefits | Youth in Barry County | Youth through Barry County school systems |
| Deadlines | March 15 and October 15 | Available throughout the year |
| Applicant Requirement | Youth representative completes the application | Elementary and secondary-level projects or programs |
| Purpose | Programs that benefit local youth | Educational funding opportunities for youth |
What YAC Looks For
Funding Provided by Youth for Youth
YAC typically gives priority consideration to organizations that:
- Complete fundraising activities in addition to requesting YAC funding
- Use grant funds to positively impact many young people
- Have not received a YAC grant in the past
- Use the Forty Assets Program for Healthy Communities
These factors are priorities, not guarantees of funding.
Regular YAC Grants
Regular YAC grants support nonprofit organizations with projects and programs that benefit youth in Barry County.
A youth representative from the organization must complete the application. The application should describe the organization, its members, the purpose of the funding request, and how grant funds will be used.
YAC MINI Grants
YAC mini grants provide up to $300 for elementary- and secondary-level projects or programs. These grants help introduce Barry County youth to the purpose of a community foundation while supporting educational opportunities through local school systems.
Questions About This Grant?
Have questions about your project's fit, the application steps, or eligibility criteria? Connect with our board member below or contact the Barry Community Foundation before you apply.
Haili Trowbridge
Youth Program Officer
The Bridge
Contact Information
Barry Community Foundation
231 S. Broadway St.
Hastings, MI 49058
Explore Other Grant Opportunities
Barry Community Foundation offers additional grant opportunities that support local organizations, schools, youth, health access, community development, arts, and other Barry County needs.
S.C. Blood Family Fund
Focus Area: Agriculture and Community Heritage
The S.C. Blood Family Fund supports projects that celebrate Barry County’s agricultural heritage, strengthen the legacy of family farms, and honor the close-knit communities that make Barry County unique.
Application Deadline: July 15
BCF Community Grant
Focus Area: Community Development
The BCF Community Grant supports projects that respond to local needs and strengthen Barry County across the Seven Elements of a Healthy Community.
Application Deadline: October 15
Barry Health Access
Focus Area: Health and Wellness
Barry Health Access supports efforts that increase access to health care for underserved and underinsured people in Barry County.
Application Deadline: March 15
Wilson H. Craig, Jr.
Focus Area: Education and Youth
The Wilson H. Craig, Jr. Grant supports educational opportunities for K-12 students in astronomy, math, science, engineering, technology, inventiveness, critical thinking, and creativity.
Application Deadlines: April 30 and October 31
Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Grants
Focus Area: Youth Leadership
Youth Advisory Council grants represent the voices of Barry County youth and support projects that improve the lives of young people today and for future generations.
Grant Deadlines: March 15 and October 15
Mini Grant Deadlines: Available throughout the year
Delton Kellogg Education Foundation (DKEF) Grants
Focus Area: Health and Wellness
Barry Health Access supports efforts that increase access to health care for underserved and underinsured people in Barry County.
Application Schedule: Available throughout the year
Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation (TAEF) Grants
Focus Area: Community Enrichment
The Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation supports projects that cultivate a strong community in the Thornapple area, now and for the future.
Application Deadline:
- Requests from $50 - $300, available throughout the year
- Requests from $301 - $5,000, deadline October 1
GFWC: Gun Lake Area Martin Public Schools Classroom Grant
Focus Area: Education and Schools
The GFWC Gun Lake Area Martin Public Schools Classroom Grant supports classroom projects and educational opportunities for Martin Public Schools.
Application Schedule: Applications accepted during the school year
GFWC: Gun Lake Area Visual and Performing Arts Grant
Focus Area: Arts and Education
This grant supports visual and performing arts opportunities for students at Delton Kellogg, Martin, Thornapple Kellogg, and Wayland Union High Schools.
Application Deadline: May 15
Healthy Youth and Healthy Seniors Grant
Focus Area: Health and Wellness
The Healthy Youth and Healthy Seniors Grant supports programs that promote health, prevent health crises, and help young people and older adults in Barry County. Supported programs must assist with smoking cessation.
Application Deadline: August 15
Barry County Bar Association Community Improvement
Focus Area: Community Improvement
The Barry County Bar Association Community Improvement Grant supports projects that improve local communities and give back to the people of Barry County.
Application Deadline: March 15
Belonging in Barry
Focus Area: Belonging and Inclusion
The Belonging in Barry Grant supports projects and programs that help create a welcoming, vibrant community where people feel they belong.
Application Schedule: View program details for current availability
Grant Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides how YAC grant money is awarded?
Barry Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council helps guide grants that benefit youth in Barry County.
Does a young person need to be involved in the application?
Yes. A youth representative from the applicant organization must complete the regular YAC grant application.
How much are YAC mini grants?
YAC mini grants provide up to $300 for qualifying elementary and secondary-level projects or programs.
When are regular YAC grant applications due?
The current stated deadlines are March 15 and October 15. YAC mini-grants are available year-round.
