Youth Philanthropy Board Awards $27,170 to Hall County Nonprofits

Listen to an interview with Megan Vaughn below.
Grand Island, NE – The Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB), a group of high school juniors, has awarded $27,170 in grants to Hall County nonprofits during their capstone presentation held on April 3. The funds, raised by last year’s senior members, were distributed to six organizations that aligned with the values of the organization address critical youth needs in the community.

“These students are just amazing! They become so impassioned and care so much about this community,” said Melissa DeLaet, CEO of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation.

This year, 29 students in the YPB junior class participated in the entire grant-making process, including requesting and evaluating applications, conducting site visits, and making impactful funding decisions.

“You all have learned evaluation and negotiating skills that you will use for the rest of your life, but the impact you’ve made will help youth just like yourselves NOW,” said program coordinator Sara Tall.

Grants were awarded in an early morning ceremony at Indianhead Golf Club to the following nonprofits:
Big Brothers Big Sisters Central NE – School-based Program – $7,500
This program supports elementary students facing challenges such as poverty, parental incarceration, and bullying. It pairs them with high school mentors to help improve academic performance, behavior, and attendance. A student commented, “It gives high schoolers the chance to lead and mentor younger kids. It’s a great way for the community to get closer together and involve the youth.”

Cairo Community Foundation – Cairo Area Children’s Theatre – $6,000
The Cairo Area Children’s Theatre offers free theater experiences for students in grades 1- 12 in rural communities. Funding supports their partnership with Missoula Children’s Theatre to provide a weeklong summer camp and other theater productions. A student said, “This program encourages character development, gives students important life skills, and fosters collaboration among kids from various backgrounds.”

First Light Child Advocacy – Project Rest Nest – $5,610 
This initiative provides a safe space for children awaiting screenings after abuse disclosures, offering essential support during a difficult time. A student shared, “Having a safe space for children awaiting placement will impact them for success… Grand Island needs more organizations like this one.”

All Aboard for Stolley Park – General Campaign – $5,000
Enhancing Stolley Park in Grand Island by adding new features for families, the All Aboard for Stolley Park Campaign aims to make the park a unique and inviting spot for youth while promoting safe outdoor activities and preventing substance abuse. One student noted, “The campaign will impact the youth of Grand Island significantly… kids/teens can participate in physical activity, get away from drug and alcohol abuse, and be safe in a youth-to-youth environment.”

Wood River Food Pantry – Backpack Program – $2,000
The Backpack Program helps ease food insecurity by providing 276 children with nutritious food over weekends. Over the course of the school year, 2,484 children will receive weekend food. One student said, “The program will ease the burden of rising food costs, allowing kids to focus on school and boost their well-being.”

TEAMMATES of GI – Blanket Blitz – $1,060 
TEAMMATES Mentoring of Grand Island will implement Blanket Blitz, where mentors and mentees create fleece tie blankets for those in need, including seniors, shelters, and schools. The program encourages youth to work together for a greater purpose. 

The check presentation took place during the Youth Philanthropy Board’s capstone ceremony where students celebrated the impact they’re making on the community and heard from Hastings College Foundation Executive Director, Chelsea LeMar. LeMar spoke about the importance of networking and fundraising, which the students will tackle when they return to the program next year as seniors.
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About the Youth Philanthropy Board
The Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB) is a program for high school juniors and seniors in Hall County focused on grantmaking, fundraising, and community impact run by Leadership Unlimited and the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation. The program provides students with hands-on experience in philanthropy and community service. To learn more about the program, visit GICF.org.

About the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation
The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation improves the quality of life for residents of Hall County by providing grants to organizations that strengthen the community. The Foundation also helps individuals and businesses make a lasting impact through charitable giving.