Mission of Youth Council

Youth Council brings together a diverse group of students living in Washtenaw County to:

• Promote philanthropy and service among young people
• Award over $100,000 in grants each year to support local youth programs, services, and projects
• Participate in state-wide leadership training opportunities, including a summer grantmaking conference hosted by the Council of Michigan Foundations
• Provide hands-on support for community service projects
• Give voice and perspective to issues that concern young people
• Conduct a community-wide needs assessment every 3-4 years

It’s a tradition that began in 1989 with a challenge grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Both Kellogg and AAACF recognized that given the opportunity, young people can provide an important voice and vehicle for strengthening local communities. Since 1989, hundreds of high school students have served on AAACF’s Youth Council, awarding over $2 million in grants that have supported a wide variety of youth programs and projects throughout Washtenaw County.

"Youth Council has taught me to always value and consider the perspectives of others. It has taught me about the discrepancies in my community and the world. It has taught me that I have the power to make a difference."

- Charles Butz, former youth council member

Interested in Joining?
 

Youth Council members gain a deep understanding of our community's needs and issues related to youth, our local nonprofit sector, and how philanthropy and volunteering can make a meaningful difference in strengthening our community.

One Youth Council member serves on AAACF's Board of Trustees with full voting privileges.

The Youth Council New Member Application is now closed until 2027.

2026 Youth Council Grants

Grants totaling over $128,000 have been awarded to support local programs and projects that have expanded opportunities for young people throughout Washtenaw County.