ADRIAN — Eleven programs and organizations in Lenawee County that positively impact local youth-based projects are the recipients of more than $18,000 in grant funding from the Lenawee Community Foundation.
The grant dollars, recently approved by LCF’s board of directors, total $18,854. The destination of these dollars was determined/recommended by the Lenawee YOUTH Council, which is a program of the Lenawee Community Foundation, and offers the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $2,000 each year for local youth projects.
“These LYC grants are made possible by a $1 million grant LCF received from the Kellogg Foundation over 25 years ago with the intent to engage youth in community philanthropy,” the community foundation said in a news release. “Over $1.1 million in grants and programs has been given back to the community from the endowment fund to date. This is an amazing example of the power of endowment — investing in our youth and investing in endowed funds for the future of our community.”
Grant recipients include the following organizations:
Pictured, from left to right, are student representatives involved with the Lenawee YOUTH Council, which is a part of the Lenawee Community Foundation. Allison Marks, Adrian, left; Zoe Ostermyer, Adrian, center; and Karlie Kimerer, Onsted, right, are pictured May 30, 2024, installing the Clothesline Project outside the Lenawee County Human Services Building in Adrian.
Some of the projects funded in 2024 through YOUTH Council grants include “Arts for All” at Adrian Public Schools, teen Spanish materials, ASO Young People’s Concert, Teen Club Restore, PLAY Program, Hudson Youth Mental Health Day and the Lenawee Imagination Library.
From June 2024: Clothesline Project remains a visual display of tobacco-related deaths in Lenawee County
“The Lenawee YOUTH Council members review each grant application for eligibility then make recommendations to the Lenawee Community Foundation board of directors,” Paula Trentman, LCF vice president and director of grants and programs, said. “These young people take great pride in their community and the impact these grants will have throughout Lenawee County. They carefully and thoughtfully base their decisions on several factors including the communities in which the project supports and the number of youth assets that will be increased.”
Grant requests were accepted through an Oct. 1 deadline in the fall. To be considered for financial support, applying groups needed to meet certain requirements including demonstrating community value, showing evidence of building or supporting youth assets, involving the LYC as youth volunteers, having a youth coordinator, and the ability to benefit other youth in Lenawee County.
The Lenawee YOUTH Council provides young individuals in the county (ages 12-21) a space in which they can participate in community service projects, collaborate with others and develop leadership skills. All youth throughout the county — ages 12-21 — are welcome. The council is always open to accepting new members.
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“The Lenawee YOUTH Council grants make a real difference for youth-focused organizations across Lenawee County, helping to create opportunities, provide resources and support programs that benefit young people directly,” Lenawee Community Foundation President and CEO Bronna Kahle said. “The Lenawee YOUTH Council was created to educate and engage youth in philanthropy, giving them hands-on experience in the grantmaking process while building leadership skills and a deeper connection to their community. It’s inspiring to see young people actively involved in shaping the future of Lenawee County through thoughtful and impactful grantmaking.”
For more information about the Lenawee Community Foundation, or to learn more about the Lenawee YOUTH Council, call 517-263-4696.
— Contact reporter Brad Heineman at bheineman@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LenaweeHeineman.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: More than $18,000 in Lenawee YOUTH Council grants awarded for projects