The Community Foundation of Greater Flint’s Youth Advisory Committees (Clio, Countywide, Grand Blanc, and South Lakes) are groups of students from local high schools who are responsible for reviewing funding requests and recommending grants for programs that benefit Genesee County youth.

Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members meet once a month during the school year for grantmaking, conduct site visits to local organizations, participate in community service projects, and learn about community needs and philanthropy.

YACs were established in 1991 through a challenge grant from the Michigan Community Foundation Youth Project (MCFYP) funded by the WK Kellogg Foundation. Today there are 86 Youth Advisory Committees across the state which engage over 1,500 youth annually in philanthropy.

Since established in 1992, the YACs of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint have granted more than the establishing gift of over $1.5 million to the community.

The mission of YAC is to empower young people, involve them in the community, and teach them about philanthropy while serving as stewards through grantmaking. Membership in YAC is open to any Genesee County high school student interested in serving their community and willing to volunteer their time.

Genesee County youth who are interested in joining a YAC should fill out this application or reach out to YAC Advisor, Chakara Wheeler at cwheeler@cfgf.org or 810.767.6504.

YAC taught me that I don't have to wait until I'm older or more established to make a difference. There is power in our youth especially when we come together for the sake of our community."

- Sylvana Jajou

YAC taught me that youth can do magnificent things. Our communities need us to help fight for what we believe in. When we come together and work together to fight for the greater good we are unstoppable."

- Timothy Johnson II