Media Contact: Kirsten Stiver
Email: kirsten@lenaweecf.com
Phone: 517.263.4696
ADRIAN, Mich., Dec. 3, 2024 – The Lenawee Community Foundation (LCF), a charitable organization created by and for the community, announced today grants that have been approved by the LCF Board of Directors. The $18,854 in grants, recommended by the Lenawee YOUTH Council (LYC) and approved by the LCF board, will be awarded to 11 programs and organizations in Lenawee County for local youth-based projects.
A program of the Lenawee Community Foundation, the Lenawee YOUTH Council offers the opportunity to apply for grants up to $2,000 for local youth projects each year. These LYC grants are made possible by a $1 million grant LCF received from the Kellogg Foundation over 25 years ago with the intent to engage youth in community philanthropy. Over $1.1 million in grants and programs has been given back to the community from the endowment fund to date. This is an amazing example of the power of endowment – investing in our youth and investing in endowed funds for the future of our community!
“The Lenawee YOUTH Council members review each grant application for eligibility then make recommendations to the Lenawee Community Foundation Board of Directors,” said Paula Trentman, LCF Vice President & Director of Grants & Programs. “These young people take great pride in their community and the impact these grants will have throughout Lenawee County. They carefully and thoughtfully base their decisions on several factors including the communities in which the project supports and the number of youth assets that will be increased.”
Some of the projects funded this year through the LYC grants include Arts for All, Teen Spanish Materials, ASO Yount People’s Concert, Teen Club Restore, PLAY Program, Hudson Youth Mental Health Day, and Lenawee Imagination Library.
Grant recipients include the following organizations:
- Adrian Center for the Arts
- Adrian District Library
- Adrian Public Schools
- Adrian Symphony Orchestra>
- Ahimsa Safe Haven
- Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee
- Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale Counties
- Health, Happiness, & Hope Fund
- Housing Help of Lenawee
- Kiwanis Club of Hudson
- Lenawee Imagination Library
“The Lenawee YOUTH Council grants make a real difference for youth-focused organizations across Lenawee County, helping to create opportunities, provide resources, and support programs that benefit young people directly. The Lenawee YOUTH Council was created to educate and engage youth in philanthropy, giving them hands-on experience in the grantmaking process while building leadership skills and a deeper connection to their community. It’s inspiring to see young people actively involved in shaping the future of Lenawee County through thoughtful and impactful grantmaking,” said Bronna Kahle, President and CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation.
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About Lenawee YOUTH Council:
The Lenawee YOUTH Council (LYC) is a Lenawee Community Foundation program dedicated to providing young individuals in Lenawee County (ages 12-21) a space in which they can participate in community service projects, collaborate with others, and develop leadership skills. Meetings are held on a bi-weekly schedule on Mondays at the Lenawee Community Foundation office or online via Zoom. Lenawee YOUTH Council welcomes all youth throughout Lenawee County, ages 12-21, and is always open to new members.
About Lenawee Community Foundation:
The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.
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For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, 517-263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com
