Delta YAC Grant

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) grant program is administered by the Community Foundation for Delta County (CFDC), located in Escanaba, Michigan. This grant initiative reflects CFDC’s commitment to enhancing local community well-being, especially by empowering youth to contribute meaningfully to their environment. The Foundation is a private nonprofit organization that channels funds donated by the public back into the community. In 2016 alone, CFDC distributed over $1.3 million across various causes, reflecting its dedication to ongoing philanthropic engagement. The YAC program is one of CFDC's core initiatives, designed to support charitable activities that address youth needs and broader community challenges within Delta County. The grant opportunity invites nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to support specific projects that benefit the Delta County area. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) or a subdivision of government. Projects must serve a clear charitable purpose, demonstrate need, and, ideally, include youth participation in planning and implementation. The YAC especially prioritizes proposals involving youth in the project execution and grant writing process. Projects not involving youth must still outline how youth benefit from or are engaged in the effort. All applications must explain the problem being addressed, the targeted population, measurable objectives, implementation strategy, partnerships involved, and plans for sustainability and evaluation. Grant awards from YAC generally do not exceed $2,000. However, larger requests may be considered but must undergo additional scrutiny and receive approval from the CFDC Board of Trustees. The $2,000 ceiling includes combined funding from both the Youth Advisory Committee and the Adult Grants Committee. Grants are issued as one-time awards for specific, non-operational project costs. CFDC does not fund general operating expenses, personnel, or politically motivated projects. Applications that lack required components such as letters of support, budget details, or verification of nonprofit status risk disqualification. The application package requires submission of a cover sheet, narrative, budget, IRS determination letter, and supporting letters verifying the project's need and collaborative support. All components must be submitted in original and four copies. The submission deadlines are April 1 and October 1 annually. If the deadline falls on a weekend, applications are due the following business day. Late applications will not be reviewed under any circumstances. Submitted proposals are reviewed by the grant committee within a month of the deadline. Final approval is made by the CFDC Board of Trustees, and applicants are typically notified of funding decisions by mail within ten days following the May and November board meetings. Applicants must describe their organizational background, mission, and board composition if not previously submitted. Each narrative must clearly state how the project aligns with the applicant's ongoing efforts and strategic goals. The project’s timeline, evaluation methods, and long-term funding plans must be documented. In cases where youth are the primary target of the project, the Foundation strongly encourages youth involvement in shaping the project proposal itself, including participation in grant writing. This approach helps align the initiative with YAC's mission of youth empowerment and community collaboration. For questions or additional information, applicants can contact the Youth Advisory Committee at 906-786-6654 or via email at Office@cfup.org. The mailing address for submissions is 2420 1st Avenue South, Escanaba, MI 49829. Applications must be fully complete to be considered. This grant cycle is recurring and runs biannually, with the next upcoming application due on 2025-10-01. Interested applicants should thoroughly review the guidelines and prepare materials well in advance of the submission deadline to ensure compliance.

Emphasize youth involvement in both the planning and execution of the project. Incomplete applications or those without required copies will be disqualified.