Youth Leadership Council (YLC) Grant Program

Program Overview: A grant program administered by local high school students who select and recommend organizations to receive funding.

Funding Source: Helen Jewett's $1.25 million bequest to YVCF, with matching funds from the Foundation

• YLC students allocate: $50,000 annually
• YVCF matching contribution: $50,000 annually
• Total annual grants: $100,000

Geographic Scope: Yakima Valley, Washington

Program History:

• Created to nurture the next generation of community leaders
• Since launch, more than half a million dollars has been granted to local nonprofits
• Comprised of local high school students serving as young philanthropists

2025-2026 Grant Recipients

Five organizations selected, each receiving $20,000:

1. Explore Your Wild - $20,000
- Free after-school program at Selah Civic Center
- Serves up to 30 students daily (September-June)
- Focus: Academic support, life skills, environmental education, physical activities, arts

2. Heartlinks - $20,000
- Hospice and palliative care with grief support services in Yakima and Benton counties
- Strengthening Blooming Hearts Children's Grief Program ("Corazones Floreando")
- Services: Individual counseling, group support, culturally relevant resources

3. Triumph Treatment Services - $20,000
- Peer Recovery Support Services at off-site locations
- Hiring Certified Peer Support Specialists
- Focus: Supporting individuals with substance use and mental health issues

4. Unidos Nueva Alianza (UNA) Foundation - $20,000
- Monthly community clinics and workshops on workplace safety and worker rights
- Serving immigrant, migrant, and refugee communities
- Services: Labor & Industries issues, health enrollment, rights education

5. YAMA (Yakima Music en Acción) - $20,000
- Daily after-school music and leadership programming
- Serving youth in Garfield Elementary School area
- Expanding programming days and reintroducing mentoring programs