General Information about the Youth Advisory Committee
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Program seeks to fund projects directed at addressing the critical issues affecting young people in Berks County.

YAC NOW ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS
The Youth Advisory Committee has announced its theme for 2009-2010: Create Happy Homes!

This year YAC has decided to focus on reaching out to youth who may not have ideal home lives. Local agencies are invited to submit a proposal for an innovative program that encourages a stable, supporting home environment for youth.
 
Programs that instill a safe and caring home environment for children or teens in any way will be considered for funding. Organizations that include teens as staff volunteers are encouraged to apply.
 
YAC has $15,000 available for programs that meet these objectives.
 
Application Deadline: January 15, 2010 (Decisions made by April 9, 2010; Funds made available after May 15, 2010)
 

The grant program is the responsibility of our hardworking group of high school-aged philanthropists, and reflects their collective input and judgment. An annual request for proposal is available each year, along with the pertinent information needed in order to submit a grant application. Applications are due in the Community Foundation office each January.

The members of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) review grant applications and make final recommendations to the Berks County Community Foundation Board of Directors for its final approval.

To learn more about this unique group of teens and the work they do, read the following reports, which were written by a former YAC member who interned at the foundation in summer 2007:

Youth Advisory Committee: The Members
This report talks about the teen members of the Youth Advisory Committee and how being involved has made a difference in their knowledge, confidence and maturity.

Youth Advisory Committee: Grants That Make a Difference
This report details the impact YAC grants have had in Berks County over the past decade. Includes specific examples of grants that were funded and how they made a difference in the community.

Please e-mail your Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Grant Program questions to Sarah MacAusland, Communication Officer and YAC Advisor, or call 610-685-2223.