What is the YAC?
The YAC (Youth Advisory Committee) is a standing committee composed of Delta County youth ages 12-21 years, with membership representative of the county. There are many similar youth committees throughout the state.
When and why did YACs get started?
In 1992, the trustees of the Community Foundation for Delta County created the Youth Advisory Committee in response to a statewide challenge issued by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. In order to meet the requirements of the challenge, a new fund was created to address youth issues, and the YAC was established to make grant recommendations to the Foundation Board of Trustees. To date, over $250,500 has been granted by the YAC committee to local youth projects from the interest of the Kellogg Youth Fund.
What do members do?
Members of the YAC attend one meeting a month to learn more about youth issues in Delta County. Meetings also include snacks, fun, and training. Grant requests for youth projects in Delta County communities are reviewed quarterly, and decisions made as to which projects will be recommended for funding. A needs assessment is conducted periodically in the schools to determine areas of concern to young people. Community service opportunities are also provided to give youth experience in philanthropy.
YAC Member Qualifications
• Leadership potential and social skills
• Commitment to responsibilities
• Availability for meetings, training, and community service
• A concern for service
• Openness to working with adults
• Potential for personal growth
What is a Community Foundation?
• A non-profit 501(C)(3) organization, as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
• Permanent endowments from which accumulated interest may be used to fund local projects.
• Advised by a volunteer board of directors.
• A local source for grants.
• Pools local dollars that may leverage additional matching revenues.
• Is flexible and able to meet the changing needs of Delta County citizens.
