REGION- The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) and its Affiliate Foundations hosted its first-ever YAC Day on Tues., May 7, raising $39,031 for its Youth Advisory Councils (YACs). This special event aimed to boost awareness and funding for the Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) program, which engages youth in philanthropy.
The 24-hour giving event continued to spur donations in the week following YAC Day, helping the Community Foundation to raise more than $14,000 from donors supporting their local YACs across northeast Michigan. Additionally, CFNEM contributed matching funds of $4,000 to each of the six Youth Advisory Councils in its service area.
Youth Advisory Councils are groups of youth ages 12-21 who are engaged in philanthropy through grantmaking, leadership opportunities, and community service. Through this program, young people throughout northeast Michigan are learning about the vital role philanthropy plays in their communities.
“Our YAC program has a broad reach across our region. We are honored that more than 100 individuals took time on YAC Day to support youth in our communities.” says CFNEM Executive Director, Patrick Heraghty. “The impact of these donations will be significant for our current YAC members, and future generations.”
Half of each donation is being permanently endowed to support future grantmaking. The other half will help fund the next round of YAC grants, set to be awarded in early 2025.
Heraghty emphasized that the YAC program works to grow the next generation of givers by connecting them to their communities through philanthropy, leadership, community service, and through the grantmaking process.
YAC grants are awarded from the Kellogg Youth Endowment Funds held at CFNEM and its Affiliate Foundations. Since the inception of local YAC programs in 1995, YACs across northeast Michigan have awarded a combined $2.5 million to nonprofits for youth-related projects. CFNEM’s Affiliate Foundations include the Iosco County Community Foundation, North Central Michigan Community Foundation, and Straits Area Community Foundation.
As a fun addition to YAC Day, “Mac the Golden Yak” was awarded to the Northeast Michigan Youth Advisory Council (NEMYAC), which includes Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle Counties. This YAC raised the most funds on May 7th. Mac will spend time at each school in the NEMYAC area.
