ADRIAN – Eleven Lenawee County programs and organizations that have a positive impact on local youth-based projects have received more than $18,000 in grants from the Lenawee Community Foundation.
The grant dollars, recently approved by the LCF Board of Directors, total $18,854. The allocation of these dollars was determined/recommended by the Lenawee YOUTH Council, a program of the Lenawee Community Foundation, and provides the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $2,000 per year for local youth projects.
“These LYC grants are made possible by a $1 million grant that LCF received from the Kellogg Foundation more than 25 years ago with the intent of engaging youth in community philanthropy,” the community foundation said in a news release. “To date, more than $1.1 million in grants and programs have been returned to the community through the endowment fund. This is a great example of the power of giving: investing in our youth and investing in grant-funded 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, part of the Lenawee Community Foundation. Allison Marks, Adrian, left; Zoë 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 through 2024 YOUTH Council grants include “Arts for All” at Adrian Public Schools, Spanish Resources for Teens, 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 continues to provide a visual representation of tobacco-related deaths in Lenawee County
“The members of the Lenawee YOUTH Council review each grant application for eligibility and then make recommendations to the Lenawee Community Foundation Board of Directors,” said Paula Trentman, LCF vice president and director of grants and programs. “These young people are very proud of their community and the impact these grants will have throughout Lenawee County. They base their decisions carefully and thoughtfully on several factors, including the communities the project serves and the number of youth services that will be increased.”
Grant applications were accepted through an October 1 deadline in the fall. To qualify for financial assistance, application groups had to meet certain requirements, including demonstrating community value, demonstrating evidence of building or sustaining 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 a space for youth in the province (ages 12-21) to participate in community service projects, collaborate with others, and develop leadership skills. All young people throughout the province (between 12 and 21 years old) 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 in Lenawee County by helping create opportunities, provide resources and support programs that directly benefit youth,” said Lenawee President and CEO Bronna Kahle Community Foundation. “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 is inspiring to see young people actively involved in shaping the future of Lenawee County through thoughtful and impactful grants.”
For more information about the Lenawee Community Foundation, or for more information 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
