Youth Impacting Community
In 2002 the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF) applied for a grant from the Ewing Kauffman Foundation to begin a youth philanthropy program in Manhattan. The GMCF received that grant and, as a result, Youth Impacting Community (YIC) was formed. The purpose of YIC is to provide philanthropic opportunities for youth between 13 and 18 years of age.
YIC members learn to appreciate and understand the basics of philanthropy. In addition, they are encouraged to use their voice to better our community. By participating in community needs studies, developing plans of action, participating in community service projects, and awarding grants to solve community problems, these youth gain a lifetime of valuable experience.
YIC Activities:
Fall/Spring Service Projects - YIC chooses one or two volunteer projects each semester at which they do hands-on work at a local community service agency. In the past YIC has volunteered at Flint Hills Breadbasket, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Ogden Youth Center, and the United Way of Riley County.
Global Youth Service Day - On Global Youth Service Day, youth around the world organize community service projects to address local needs. The goal of YIC has been to create an event that collaborates with youth from organizations across the entire community. For the past three years YIC has organized the "Revitalize the Trails" event with the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department to improve area parks.
Instruments for Interested Youth - This service project was created by YIC members to help area students who would like to play a band instrument, but cannot afford one. Local citizens are invited to donate musical instruments that they no longer need. YIC then has them cleaned and repaired, and these instruments are donated to students who attend a school in Riley County.
Grant Process - Each year YIC distributes $5000 to non-profit organizations. YIC members create the guidelines, evaluate the grant applications, test the project ideas for efficiency, distribute the money, and evaluate the effectiveness of the plan.
|
