Affiliate Funds
Youth Fund
Amplifying Youth Voices in Lorain County and Beyond
Recognizing the importance of youth voices in community conversations, the Community Foundation Directors established the Youth Fund in April 1998. This advisory board, composed of 9th to 12th grade students from Lorain County makes grant recommendations, advocates for causes, and assesses community needs, all while receiving professional development opportunities. The Youth Fund is dedicated to its mission of empowering young people to engage in philanthropy and leadership through civic participation and bridging differences.
Questions About the Youth Fund?
Youth-Led Grantmaking
When the Youth Fund entered its fifth year, the Community Foundation shifted its focus to empowering youth in the grantmaking process. Today, Youth Fund members review applications and recommend grants to the Board of Directors. The Youth Fund now focuses on applications that align with the annual theme, which has included mental health and “adulting”, ensuring youth voices are at the forefront of decision-making. The 2024-2025 theme was sustainability, guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
$170K
invested in the community.
Our Impact
Donations to the Youth Fund allow local students to have an impact not only in their schools but also within their community. The learning opportunities presented during this experience fosters a life-long commitment to philanthropy and giving.
Grant Cycle
Application Opens: TBD
Application Deadline: TBD
Board Decision: TBD
The Youth Fund anticipates awarding grants to nonprofits and organizations that provide youth opportunities in sustainability-related work. While a specific theme has not yet been selected for this cycle, funding priorities will continue to align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which address key global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.
Details about the 2025–2026 grant process, including whether it will be conducted through Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or an open application cycle, will be shared as they become available.
Some example projects can include but are not limited to:
- Tree plantings
- Roadway/waterway cleanups
- Sustainable transportation projects, like implementing bike paths
- Recycling/composting projects
- Art projects related to biodiversity
- Community Gardens/ sustainable agriculture projects
While youth are not required to participate in the direct execution of their proposed projects, preference will be given to projects that either:
- Serve youth populations in meaningful ways, or
- Involve youth at any stage of the project, from planning to implementation.
Youth Fund Board
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Abbey
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Amherst Marion Steele
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Amelia B., Secretary
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Saint Joseph Academy | |
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Amelia H.
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Saint Joseph Academy
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Amya, President
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Elyria High School
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Analia
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Lorain Success Academy
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Anastasia
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Lorain High School
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Beatrice
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Oberlin High School
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Brayden, Treasurer
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Avon High School
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Bridget, Vice President
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Amherst Marion Steele
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Charlie
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Amherst Marion Steele
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Clementine
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Oberlin
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Emily
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Elyria Catholic
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Isaiah
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Lorain High School
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Madison
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North Ridgeville
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Maleya
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Lorain High School
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Noah
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Elyria Catholic
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255+
youth have participated