Wayne County Community Youth Foundation


Youth Foundation Logo

The Wayne County Community Youth Foundation (WCCYF) 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 2023-2024 school year, there are 36 students representing 9 local high schools. Trevor Dunlap is the Youth Foundation Advisor. 

The Youth Foundation will meet on the following Sundays, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (unless otherwise noted), for 2023-2024:

August 27, 2023October 22, 2023December 17, 2023February 4, 2024April 2024***
September 24, 2023November 19, 2023January 7, 2024March 10, 2024May 5, 2024**
*Date to be scheduled
**May meeting is "graduation", family members are welcome to attend.
***Area wide service projects/dates vary

Why join the Youth Foundation?

  • Gain valuable leadership experience.
  • Learn about local charitable giving.
  • Understand how investments grow charitable funds.
  • Meet local philanthropic leaders.
  • Evaluate and recommend grant awards. Yes, you get to give money away!

CLICK HERE to complete an application to become a Youth Foundation Student Advisor. Applications are due April 1st for the following academic year. To be eligible, you must be either a Wayne County resident who is a high school junior or attend Wayne County Schools Career Center for the 2024-2025 academic year. Student Advisors are responsible for their own transportation to meetings.

 

Last year, some of the local non-profit organizations where the YF met included Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio, Orrville Area Boys and Girls Club, 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.

Youth Foundation
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.

 

Wayne County
Community Foundation

517 North Market Street
Wooster, Ohio 44691

Phone: (330) 262-3877
Fax: (330) 262-8057
Email: contact@wccfoh.org

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