YAC raises funds for local nonprofits

Getting a taste for philanthropy, several teenagers hosted a fundraiser last week to benefit local youth-based nonprofits.

The Youth Advisory Council held its annual reception last Friday where they raised money that will be used for local grants next year. Last year, YAC raised $11,606 for grants. The group is expected to raise a similar amount this year.

YAC is a component of the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation. Joyce Whitfield, executive director of HSACF, said the event went well.

“It was extremely successful and well attended,” Whitfield said.

A number of local philanthropic leaders and parents were invited to the fundraiser where the students on YAC gave a presentation about what they have learned since

they joined the group.

YAC is comprised of 17 students from local schools. The students are nominated by their school counselors and the ones who are selected for YAC join in September. The money raised by YAC is used to offer local grants. To help the students with this, HSACF has the teenagers attend workshops and lessons where they learn about the ideas that these grants could be used for. Other lessons include teaching how to read a proposal.

These lessons are what the group’s presentation was about.

“It was excellent,” Whitfield said about the presentation, noting the students were very thorough and all spoke clearly.

YAC will be accepting grant proposals between Jan. 10 and Feb. 15. Examples of projects that YAC has approved in the past include a summer math camp, a high school dance program and a program to buy glasses for children.

The students on YAC read each grant proposal, and then the 17 students will vote on which ones they want to support. Whitfield said HSACF offers guidance on this, but ultimately it is up to the students to decide what to support.

She said YAC is a good thing for the students to get involved in because it teaches them about philanthropy and giving back to their communities. She said the students will hopefully join HSACF when they become adults.

HSACF is the adult version of YAC, she said, and the members also raise money to write grants for local nonprofits. Last year, HSACF raised $105,661 for grants.

Those interested in applying for grants can do so at the Giving Tree online portal at https:www.arcf.org/givingtree.

Submitted photo YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: Local teenagers make up the Youth Advisory Council. The students recently held a fundraiser to help give out grants to local, youth-based nonprofits.