Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists (SLYP) Grant

Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists (SLYP) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Beckley Area Foundation
Amount: Up to US $1,000
Last Updated: March 24, 2026

Summary

The Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists Grant, offered by the Beckley Area Foundation, empowers high school juniors to engage in community philanthropy by evaluating and recommending funding proposals. With a maximum grant award of $1,000, this initiative aims to support tax-exempt organizations addressing youth poverty in Raleigh County. The program fosters hands-on learning about the principles of philanthropy, ensuring that the students play a crucial role in decision-making while making a positive impact in their community.

Overview

About Us Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $60 million more than 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations. Only the income from these funds is spent. The principal remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $21 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification. Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists (SLYP) Grant Beckley Area Foundation’s Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists program is a group of high school juniors who are engaged directly in the important role of community philanthropy. The purpose of this program is to provide an intensive hands-on learning experience through which they are taught the art, the science and business of philanthropy. Part of this experience is for them to solicit and evaluate proposals for funding. The students are responsible for making final grants recommendations subject only to the approval of the BAF Board of Directors. Funding The maximum single grant award will be $1,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. SLYP is seeking proposals from eligible tax-exempt organizations which address Raleigh County youth experiencing poverty. Be recognized by the IRS as a 501(C)3 organization or is a public institution or municipality.An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status.Affirm that the proposed program or project will be initiated and completed between the specified dates.Demonstrate that all prior grant reporting requirements to Beckley Area Foundation have been met. Programs funded must benefit Raleigh County. While the proposed program itself must serve Raleigh County, the organization is not required to be headquartered in Raleigh County.All organizations that apply for this grant must also allow at least one site visit from BAF's SLYP students as part of their learning module.