YAC Presents "Introduction to Philanthropy" to Local 6th Grade Students

The 2024-2025 school year marks the fourth year of the Branch County Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) presenting “Introduction to Philanthropy” to local students, reaching every district in Branch County. YAC’s “Introduction to Philanthropy” presentation introduces young minds to philanthropy, and how students can get involved in giving back to their community. Philanthropy is a learned behavior, and talking to the next generation about their impact through giving is critical to the future of philanthropy. Getting involved in philanthropy through volunteering at a young age is not only great for the community but will also give them the opportunity to gain leadership skills, decision-making skills, deepen community relationships, and socialize with peers of different backgrounds and walks of life, which are all necessary as they step into adulthood.  

Did you know that children who have conversations about giving are 20 percent more likely to give to charity in the future versus children who do not have these conversations?

In previous years, the presentation has been given to 5th graders. This year the Youth Advisory Council chose to present to 6th grade students who fall closer in line with the age they can apply to be YAC members, which is 12. Not only does the presentation introduce them to the world of philanthropy, but they are also given a unique opportunity through this experience to collaborate with their peers and select a BCCF non-profit partner to donate $250. The Youth Advisory Council also makes an additional $250 donation to the 6th grade classes that participate.

This year, YAC presented “Introduction to Philanthropy” to 6th graders at St. Charles Elementary, Quincy Middle School, and Pansophia Academy. Organizations who received $250 each are the Branch Area Food Pantry, Tibbits Opera House, and the Branch County Humane Society!

If you are interested in having YAC present to your 6th grade classroom, please reach out to BCCF for more information! YAC is the youth philanthropy program within the Branch County Community Foundation. This program is lead by adult mentors, and young people from Branch County and Colon, Michigan. Together, they address local youth needs in the community and assist in fund development activities, and direct grantmaking toward youth programs. YAC is committed to improving our communities by involving young people in the vision and decision-making process, giving them a voice to shape the future.

The YAC application is now open on the BCCF website, BrCoFoundation.org to young people aged 12-21 who attend Bronson, Coldwater, Colon, Pansophia, St. Charles, and Union City Schools. Member selections will take place in early Fall of 2025.