Youth Empowered Philanthropy Grants

Youth Empowered Philanthropy (YEP) is a transformative program offered by the Community Foundation that teaches students in grades 10-12 about charitable giving. By empowering youth to make impactful decisions with real funding, YEP fosters a vibrant community in Allen County. Participants learn about nonprofit organizations, grantmaking, and develop essential skills like public speaking and critical thinking. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, and applications are reviewed by YEP members, ensuring youth engagement in philanthropy.

Youth Empowered Philanthropy (YEP) is a program of the Community Foundation and teaches youth about charitable giving while empowering them to make real decisions, with real money to create an impact in Allen County.
YEP is a youth philanthropy pod that is structured as a once-a-month meeting, during the school day, for students in grades 10-12. Students have the opportunity to learn about the nonprofit community, boards, charitable giving, and how to be a good steward of funds. Students have grantmaking dollars and collectively decide whom to grant the monies to, while also learning about how to give their time and talent through community volunteer projects. Students also learn a variety of skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and decision making, from experts throughout the community.
Youth Empowered Philanthropy (YEP), empowers youth to make real decisions with real money that creates real impact in Allen County. In addition to applying for grant dollars, nonprofits can also apply for volunteer time from YEP students.
Grants range between $1,000 – $5,000.
All grant applications will be reviewed and decided on by the current cohort of YEP members.