MCCF: Youth Advisory Council Grant

MCCF: Youth Advisory Council Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Manistee County Community Foundation
Last Updated: March 19, 2026

Summary

The Youth Advisory Council Grant by the Manistee County Community Foundation supports initiatives that address the needs of local youth. Established to foster leadership and philanthropy among young people, the council is comprised of high school students from six districts in Manistee County. Grants awarded aim to enhance community engagement and provide opportunities for youth to develop skills while making a positive impact in their communities. Eligible applicants include students from local academies and homeschool programs.

Overview

Who We Are The Manistee County Community Foundation (MCCF) is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Manistee County region – today and in the future. Established in 1987, the foundation provides leadership to achieve community change, makes grants that address local needs, and builds community endowment. What is the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)? The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) serves as the Foundation’s local panel of experts on the needs and issues that face area youth and is the advisory body to the Foundation’s Youth Endowment Fund. The YAC is comprised of high school students from each of Manistee County's six school districts. YAC members learn about philanthropy (donations of time, talent, and treasure for community good), build leadership skills and provide a voice for youth in our community. The YAC is active in assessing the needs of Manistee County youth, participates in fund development activities to grow the Foundation's Youth Endowment Fund and recommends grants that respond to needs of area youth. YAC members meet monthly and have opportunities to participate in leadership training and community service activities. Youth Advisory Council (YAC) History Over ten years ago, W.K. Kellogg Foundation conceived a fruitful idea to help seed community foundations throughout Michigan if the local Foundation agreed to establish a permanent youth fund and a Youth Advisory Council (YAC). They wanted to help create a strong philanthropic training ground for youth and in a few short years over 86 YACs were formed across Michigan. The goal was to help young people learn generosity and leadership and at the same time build stronger and more caring communities. Youth Advisory Council Grant Grants awarded by the Youth Advisory Council are selected to meet the needs of Manistee County’s youth.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Manistee Great Lakes Virtual Academy and homeschooled high school students who are Manistee County residents are also eligible to apply. Interested students can contact school principals or guidance counselors for more information and to be connected with a current YAC member who can share more about their experience.