Youth Grantmaking Board
The Youth Grantmaking Board (YGB) helps young people learn how philanthropy can create positive change in their community by giving them the opportunity to take the lead on all phases of grantmaking. Supported by Foundation staff and community experts, YGB members:
- Identify and discuss critical community issues, learning from field experts
- Select a grantmaking focus area
- Develop a request for proposals
- Evaluate funding requests from nonprofit organizations
- Conduct site visits with potential grantees
- Make funding recommendations to The Seattle Foundation Board of Trustees
The YGB runs from October through May, and applications will be available in May 2012. Spaces are limited. The program is open to local high-school-aged youth with a priority given to participants from the Philanthropy Camp and current donor families.
Recent Grants
2011
Focus on afterschool programs that support youth in tutoring, study prep, ELL programs and skill development
2010
Focus on mental health and academic support programs for foster care youth
2009
Focus on youth violence intervention programs
2008
Focus on the physical well-being of youth
2007
Focus on improving the home lives of King County youth who were at risk of homelessness and other major upheavals
Youth Grantmaking Alumni Board
In 2007 alumni from the inaugural Youth Grantmaking Alumni Board (YGAB) came together to learn about grant evaluation and impact assessment. Thanks to a generous donor, the group was given an opportunity to assess whether additional funds could have a positive impact on the work of the organizations they funded the previous year.
In 2008 the alumni group grew to 16 members, consisting of youth from the 2007 and 2008 YGBs. Through continued learning in grantmaking, impact and financial assessment, and public speaking and team skills, these alumni gain a deeper understanding of effective philanthropy. The goal of the YGAB is to continue engaging youth in grantmaking and community issues so that they will grow into thoughtful change-makers.
The 2010 Alumni Board awarded two grants to previous YGB grantees to support staff training around violence de-escalation:
History
The idea for a Youth Grantmaking Alumni Board grew from The Seattle Foundation’s successful one-on-one work with young philanthropists. Since 2006, The Seattle Foundation Youth Board Members have granted $120,000 to King County organizations.
View photos from the Seattle Youth Philanthropy Summit