Youth Engaged in Philanthropy
Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) is a program in which area high school students delve deeply into the nonprofit world in a way few others have the opportunity to do. They explore the meaning of philanthropy, the need and the impact. Then they are charged with developing a grant application, promoting the availability of $10,000 in grants, reviewing applications and selecting the youth-focused programs that will receive funding. View list of YEP's past grant recipients.
YEP builds leadership and teamwork skills while engaging participants in a unique, philanthropic experience. The 2026-27 school year marks the 14th year for YEP.
Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Mission: As a part of our Community's youth, we strive to connect those who care about youth with the monetary means necessary to pursue their vision.
Sandy McGhee, Founding YEP Mentor, said "YEP offers a unique adventure to youth in which they will explore their own leadership styles, develop their desire for community service and civic engagement, investigate the mechanics of philanthropic foundations, and experience the subsequent rewards of investing in others. It is always so exciting to work alongside young people; they bring a creative energy that offers up an exhilarating array of possibilities!"
History
Take teens from four different counties and organize them under the auspices of Illinois Prairie Community Foundation; enlist a donor that offers them $10,000 to give away annually to area not-for-profits; then charge them with setting up a grant cycle process. The result? Since 2013, Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) have explored the meaning of philanthropy, the needs in the community, and the impact of giving back. They have received and reviewed a total of 190 grant proposals and awarded a total of $109,985 to 89 applicants impacting over 28,000 youth. Read more about YEP's history
Benefits
Youth Engaged in Philanthropy view first-hand the important role of the nonprofit sector and the impact that philanthropy creates in a vibrant, inclusive community. YEP members learn about community needs, manage a grant cycle, evaluate grant proposals, report progress to the Foundation Board of Directors, recruit additional members, develop marketing materials and grow an Endowment Fund. In doing so, YEP members hone communication and decision-making skills, experience the value of teamwork, and develop leadership qualities. View YEP Flyer
Endowment
During the second year of YEP (2014-2015), in addition to the grant cycle, members initiated activity to begin a YEP endowment. Inspired by the anonymous donor who provided $10,000 annually for them to grant, the members wanted to take steps so that the YEP program will be available far into the future to positively impact both YEP participants and programs that receive grants. The group set a goal of $10,000 to be achieved between December 2014 and June 2015. They far exceeded this goal by raising $24,000 in that time period, enough for the fund to be fully endowed. Donate now to the Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Endowment to ensure that funds for community grants will continue to be available far into the future for those programs that serve youth.
Thanks
Sincere thanks to YEP's donors for their generous financial support - as well as the IPCF Board of Directors, past Executive Directors Myra Gordon (retired), Greg Meyer (retired), and current President/CEO Erik Rankin - as this promising group of young leaders discover the power and the reward of making a difference in their communities!
Visit YEP's Facebook page