How much funding does Youth and Philanthropy (YAP) - High School Grant Program provide?

Youth and Philanthropy (YAP) - High School Grant Program provides $25,000 total distributed annually in funding.

When is the deadline for Youth and Philanthropy (YAP) - High School Grant Program?

The deadline is October 27, 2026.

Youth and Philanthropy (YAP) - High School Grant Program

United Way of Tompkins County Inc

Foundation Annual Grants for Youth Programs Youth Leadership Grants Grants for Education Community Services Grants

Funding Amount

$25,000 total distributed annually

Deadline

October 27, 2026

33 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Youth and Philanthropy (YAP) - High School Grant Program

Overview: YAP empowers local 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to take an active role in their community and understand the role of philanthropy in their lives. Student participants act as grant reviewers to assess community needs and disperse $25,000 annually to organizations addressing those needs.

Key Details:

Target Students: 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students from all school districts in Tompkins County

Geographic Scope: Tompkins County, New York

Total Annual Awards: $25,000 distributed to community organizations

Program Since: 1999

Participation to Date: Over 200 students from every school district in Tompkins County have participated

Student Learning Outcomes:

Consensus building skills

Critical thinking development

Community needs assessment

Interview techniques

Understanding of philanthropy

Leadership and civic engagement

Funding Source: Grants are funded by a generous donation from Triad Foundation

Program Leadership: Rebekah Hinton, Director of Community Impact at United Way of Tompkins County

Contact:

Rebekah Hinton, Director of Community Impact

Email: rhinton@uwtc.org

Phone: (607) 272-6286

Address: 313 N. Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850

How to Apply

Student Registration and Participation

Fall 2026 Schedule:

Session 1: Monday, October 27, 5:15-7:30 PM

Session 2: Wednesday, October 29, 5:15-7:30 PM

Session 3: Monday, November 3, 5:15-7:30 PM

Session 4: Wednesday, November 5, 5:15-7:30 PM

Session 5: Monday, November 10, 5:15-7:30 PM

Session 6: Wednesday, November 12, 5:15-7:30 PM

Session 7: Monday, November 17, 5:15-7:30 PM

Session 8: Wednesday, November 19, 5:15-7:30 PM

Award Ceremony: Thursday, December 4, 4:30-6:30 PM (mandatory, in-person)

Location: United Way Office at 313 N. Aurora St, Ithaca, NY (hybrid Zoom option available for sessions)

Registration Requirements:
1. Complete registration form and required paperwork prior to first session
2. Submit form using the Youth and Philanthropy Student Registration Form link
3. All required forms must be submitted before attending first session

Program Expectations:

Consistent attendance required at all sessions

Dinner provided at every session

Hybrid participation (Zoom) accommodated for sessions

Award Ceremony attendance is mandatory and must be in-person

Eligibility:

Currently enrolled 10th, 11th, or 12th grade students

Open to students with diverse passions, backgrounds, and skill sets

No prerequisite experience required

Apply with Grantable Learn more

What United Way of Tompkins County Inc actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 42
Total given: $635K
Median grant: $10K
Range: $5,004–$51K

By dollars: New York 100%. Top recipient cities: Ithaca, NY; Buffalo, NY; Syracuse, NY.
100% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
19% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.