Wayne County Community Youth Foundation

The Wayne County Community Youth Foundation (YF) was established in Fall 2012 to provide educational and practical experiences on how community foundations operate for the purpose of getting students engaged in local "structured" philanthropy.

Thanks to the vision and leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley C. Gault, the Donald and Alice Noble Foundation, the Sam Shapiro family, and the Wayne County Community Foundation Board of Trustees, a Youth Foundation fund was created so students can evaluate community needs and make grant recommendations for local non-profit organizations that support Wayne County, Ohio youth.

During the academic year, students meet once a month at an area non-profit organization to get a better understanding of why the organization exists and how it serves the community.

For the 2018-2019 school year, there are 49 students representing 8 local high schools. Deanna Troutman, a WCCF Trustee, will be the Youth Foundation Advisor for 2019-2020. 

The Youth Foundation will meet on the following Sundays, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (unless otherwise noted), for 2019-2020:

Last year, some of the local non-profit organizations where the YF met included Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio, Alice Noble Ice Arena, Christian Children’s Home of Ohio, Orrville Area Boys and Girls Club, Orrville & Wooster YMCA, Poplar Ridge Adventures, Red Cross, Salvation Army, The Village Network, Viola Startzman Clinic, and Wayne Center for the Arts. Anyone can donate to the Wayne County Community Youth Foundation Fund through the Wayne County Community Foundation. For more information about the Youth Foundation call 330-262-3877. If interested in the grant guidelines and application process, see Wayne County Community Youth Foundation Grants.

In addition to learning about philanthropy, Youth Foundation members perform a community service project. Maegan King, Michelle Leighty, and Katie Johnson (shown above), are happily clearing a trail for Rails-to-Trails.