Wayne County Community Youth Foundation Awards $5,251 in Grants

The Wayne County Community Youth Foundation (YF) provides educational and practical experiences on how community foundations operate, with the goal of getting high school students engaged in local “structured” philanthropy. Each year, student participants in the program also award grants from the Wayne County Community Youth Foundation Fund to local nonprofit organizations that support youth programs.

Student advisors evaluated eight grant proposals for the 2023 grant cycle. Based on their recommendations to the Wayne County Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees, three organizations received grants totaling $5,251:

Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio (ASPO) received a $1,251 grant to replace hockey sticks for the sled hockey program for youth with disabilities.

People to People Ministries received a $3,500 grant to provide tablets for education stations in the lobby area for children, preschool to young adult.

United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties received a $500 grant for Reading Under the Lights 2023 to help cover the cost of new books that are given to each participant (Pre-K to 8th grade). Currently 6 local school districts participate in the program to prevent the summer slide.

Earlier this year, this YF class also collected $1,820 through their Giving Jar Initiative and matching donations. They then donated the funds to the Wayne County Children's Advocacy Center.

The Youth Foundation meets once a month at an area nonprofit organization during the school year to get a better understanding of why the organization exists and how it serves the community. Participants also gain valuable leadership experience, learn more about local charitable giving and how investments grow charitable funds; evaluate and recommend grant awards, and meet local philanthropic leaders.

For the 2022-2023 school year, 25 students representing nine local high schools participated in the Youth Foundation. A program graduation was held on May 7, 2023 at The Connection Conference & Event Center.

Competitive grant applications to the Wayne County Community Youth Foundation from nonprofit, tax-exempt, charitable organizations serving the youth of Wayne County should be submitted by February 1 each year. The grant guidelines and online application are available on the WCCF website, www.waynecountycommunityfoundation.org.