YAC Activities

Circle of Giving | YAC members introduce their younger peers to the importance of philanthropy… and give them an opportunity to put it into action!  YACers in Hastings and Middleville choose a 5th or 6th grade class and visit that class once a week for four weeks.  Each class learns about philanthropy, and local charities are invited in to make presentations to the students.  The class votes on a charity to support and then raises money through a short-term project.  Classes have raised close to $1,000 in past years, but more importantly, through the Circle of Giving, YAC members plant the seeds of philanthropy early on, encouraging younger students to be leaders in the community and to give of their time, talent, and treasure.

Spring Cycle Grant Review | Grants from the spring cycle are reviewed and voted on at the March meeting.

This is the last formal meeting of the year where officer elections are held.  YACers will also complete a service project prior to this meeting.

End of the Year Party! | The May meeting is informal so it is a YAC party! Sometimes its ice cream sundaes, music and dancing, or swimming! 

Grantmakers Conference| Every year, the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) holds Grantmakers Conference at a Michigan university.  YACers meet with other YACers from different parts of the state, country, and world, attend classes and workshops, and have a lot of fun! The Barry Community Foundation pays for several YACers to attend.

Annual YAC Retreat | The Fall Retreat is the first meeting of the year. New and returning YACers alike get together and participate in different team-building leadership activities.

Youth on the Roof YAC Roof Sit | Every year, YAC holds a Roof Sit to benefit a local charity. YACers collect pledges and donations and sit on scaffolding in downtown Hastings. Previous Roof Sit beneficiaries include: Habitat for Humanity, Green Gables Haven, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and The Barry Commission on Aging’s Kinship Care Program.

Fall Cycle Grant Review | Grants from the spring cycle are reviewed and voted on at the October meeting immediately following the Roof Sit.

December marks a meeting as well as a service project for the Barry County United Way.  We have a great holiday party to wrap up the month.