What is a YAC?
The YAC (Youth Advisory Council) is a group of area grantmakers that recommends award amounts for youth projects and programs. YAC members are generally eighth through twelfth graders within the foundation's service area.
The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM), and each of its three affiliates, has a YAC. Each one represents a group of area youth whose members address community needs through a grant application and review process separate from the regular foundation.
YAC funds originated from matching grants made by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Through grantmaking, YAC members are directly involved in philanthropy. At the same time, they learn about skills necessary for negotiation, communication, team work, conflict resolution, and leadership.
The CFNEM YAC is called NEMYAC (Northeast Michigan Youth Advisory Council). Since 1993, NEMYAC has recommended well over a half million dollars for youth related projects and programs in the four county service area of Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle. Currently, there are approximately 50 students and seven adult advisors who are members of NEMYAC.
Area non-profit organizations can apply for either a mini-grant ($500 or less) or a regular grant of up to $2,500. Regular grant requests require the applicant to make a three-minute presentation about their project. For more information about applying for a grant, look over the information on the CFNEM Youth Advisory Council page. You may also print out a copy of the application from this page. If you have any questions, please contact our office. We are happy to help you with the application process.
YAC Grant Application
Mini-Grant Application
Budget Sample