
About Us
What Do Members Do?
Members of the YAC meet monthly from August to May. They decide on how to distribute grant money. They give their time by volunteering with local organizations. They raise funds during an annual fundraiser for a nonprofit. They teach other students what philanthropy is and how they can contribute. Members can also serve on boards of directors for other nonprofit organizations in Barry County. And of course we have fun and eat pizza!
YAC Member Responsibilities
- Attend and participate in meetings
- Recommend and vote on grants
- Serve on boards and committees
- Serve as a representative in your school and community
History of YAC
In 1996, the directors of the Barry Community Foundation created the Youth Advisory Council, in response to a statewide challenge issued by the WK-Kellogg Foundation. To meet the requirements of the Challenge, a new fund was created to address youth issues. The YAC was established to make grant recommendations to the Foundation Board of Directors for expenditure of these funds.
YAC first granted funds in winter, 1998. Since creation in 1996, YAC has granted over $600,000 to youth-related programs.