Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
We are targeting students who are one or more of the following:
Going into or currently attending 9th or 10th grade this fall
Attending High Schools in South Berrien or Cass County including Buchanan, Niles, Brandywine, Ross Beatty (Cassopolis), Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, and Marcellus School districts
Students who bring a unique perspective and/or represent diverse populations due to life experiences, racial/ethnic background, LGBTQ+, disability, socioeconomic status, etc.
We are looking for students who could be profoundly impacted by the YAC experience, not those just looking for another thing to add to an already full resume. Students will need to be committed and engaged and have reliable transportation to monthly meetings and events.
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of high school students from South Berrien and Cass Counties who help shape youth-focused philanthropy in our community. Council members assess local youth needs, review grant applications, and advise Michigan Gateway Community Foundation on youth grant awards.
YAC members steward a Youth Endowment that generates approximately $23,000 each year to support programs benefiting young people. This endowment was made possible through a matching grant from the Kellogg Foundation and the generosity of hundreds of local donors.
Through their grantmaking, YAC has brought enrichment programs into schools, supported youth outreach efforts, and strengthened youth-serving organizations across the community. Members also gain hands-on experience by conducting youth needs assessments, participating in leadership training, attending the state YAC conference, and engaging in local service activities.
Participation in the Youth Advisory Council provides students with valuable leadership experience and prepares them for future roles as community leaders.
Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Priorities Areas
The Youth Advisory Council focuses its resources on specific areas based on the YAC needs assessment that is completed every few years. The next needs assessment will be completed in 2023 for the 2022-23 school year. To learn more about the needs assessment, click below:
Youth Advisory Council Mini-Grants
Up to $500 for youth-written, youth-led projects in southern Berrien and Cass Counties
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) of Michigan Gateway Community Foundation invites students to apply for Youth-Led Mini-Grants—small grants designed to support student ideas that make a positive difference for young people in our community.
These grants empower youth to turn their ideas into action while learning about leadership, community service, and philanthropy. All projects must be written and led by students and benefit youth in southern Berrien and Cass Counties.
Grant Amount
Awards of up to $500
Funded projects must focus on improving the lives of young people
What Can Be Funded
Projects most likely to be funded will:
Encourage youth to improve themselves, their school, or their community
Provide a service to others
Address a need affecting young people
Project ideas may include:
Organizing a school or community event
Starting a volunteer or service project
Creating a classroom, club, or student council initiative
Developing a project that promotes academic success or student engagement
Creativity is encouraged! Students must be actively involved in planning the project and writing the application.
Who Can Apply
Any student or group of students
Applications may come from classrooms, clubs, school groups, or extracurricular activities
All applications must be:
Written and submitted by students
Co-signed by a teacher or adult advisor and the building principal
Preschool–3rd Grade:
Teachers may assist students with writing the application or complete it on their behalf following a class discussion.
Project Reporting
Each project must include a simple way to measure success. Funded projects will be asked to submit:
A short written report
Photos from the project
Reports are due by May 2025.
How to Apply
Application deadline: November 1, 2025
All applications are reviewed by the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
YAC recommends projects for approval to the MGCF Board of Trustees
Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by the end of November 2025
Download the YAC Mini-Grant Application
Completed applications may be:
Mailed to:
Michigan Gateway Community Foundation
111 Days Avenue
Buchanan, MI 49107Emailed to:
📧 Jpopielski@mgcf.org
Questions or Guidance
Jennifer Popielski
Youth Advisory Council Advisor
📞 269-695-3521
📧 Jpopielski@mgcf.org
A Note to Teachers
The Youth-Led Mini-Grant Program is designed to introduce students to the role of a community foundation—an organization that invests charitable gifts and uses the earnings to support local needs. Teachers are encouraged to discuss concepts such as grants, grant proposals, and budgets to help students understand how youth leadership and community philanthropy work together.
