Youth Grantmakers

The Community Foundation’s Youth Grantmakers program was created to empower youth to address issues important to them by participating in grantmaking. Through this program our young people become active agents of change, preparing them for responsive community leadership and practical hands-on service.

During the 2017-18 academic year, Youth Grantmakers across our two-county region strengthened their leadership skills as they participated in philanthropy.  They conducted surveys to determine the current concerns and needs of their peers, attended site visits of local nonprofit organizations, listened to nonprofit presentations during their monthly meetings, conducted community service projects and awarded grants to nonprofits that address the needs of youth in their community.  During their year-long training, students learned to read and analyze a grant application, respectfully debate the most critical needs while learning to listen to others’ perspectives, and prioritize the many worthwhile requests.

With representatives from 23 high schools in both counties, 77 Youth Grantmakers make up the Riverside, San Bernardino, Coachella Valley and Native programs.  Since the inception of this program, Youth Grantmakers have awarded $278,000 to deserving nonprofit agencies. In 2017-2018, the San Bernardino program awarded $12,650 in grants to local nonprofits: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Inland Empire, Highlander Boxing Club Program, San Bernardino Fatherhood and The YouthHope Foundation.

Support our Youth Grantmakers in San Bernardino and learn more about the program here.