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In Youth We Trust

Watch our Video about In Youth We Trust Grants (approx. 1 minute) »

Youth granting youth the power to lead and change our community.

In Youth We Trust is a youth philanthropy program of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Established with a grant from the Ford Foundation in 1994, and endowed by a local donor, this program teaches grantmaking and leadership skills to today’s youth, preparing them to be the positive change of tomorrow.

2011-2012 In Youth We Trust Advisory Council

What is In Youth We Trust?

In Youth We Trust, made up of adult advisors and youth from across the region, is a program that engages young people in community service and philanthropy by giving them resources and opportunities to help solve problems affecting their peers and their quality of life.

Members are directly involved in the In Youth We Trust Grant Program. They help set grant policy, review youth inspired service project proposals, and recommend distribution of $20,000 a year in grants to selected youth projects.

When and why was In Youth We Trust Started?

In 1993, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois was one of 20 community foundations selected by the Ford Foundation to be part of a program called Changing Communities: Diverse Needs. The Foundation suggested to Ford that the best way to bring a community together was to bring youth together.

In the summer of 1994, the Community Foundation gathered a diverse group of youth inspired by the notion that youth could partner with other youth to improve their community. The In Youth We Trust grant program began in 1995 and since then, In Youth We Trust has recommended the distribution of over $350,000 to local youth led organizations.

What do members do?

As part of the grant process each year, members of In Youth We Trust review grant applications for youth projects, evaluate the applications, and interview the applicants. In addition to participating in the grant review program, members take part in many community-building activities including volunteer work and planning community events for youth.

See for yourself what members do! The In Youth We Trust Newsletter is written and designed by the Council about their many events and activities.

Newsletter – Volume One »

Newsletter – Volume Two, Issue One »

Newsletter – Volume Two, Issue Two »

Newsletter – Spring 2011 »

What are some of the grants In Youth We Trust funds?

Bilingual Literacy Program

L.O.V.E. Violence Prevention Program

High School Peer Mediation Program

Auburn High School Courtyard Renovation

Prom for Senior Citizens

What is Youth Charity Jam?

First held in June of 2003, Youth Charity Jam was the brainchild of In Youth We Trust. Members created the event as a way to engage youth across the community in philanthropic (and fun) fundraising. The group established an event planned by youth that engaged the musical talents of other youth to entertain youth. The first year’s attendance was only 100 people, but by 2007, Youth Charity Jam boasted an attendance of more than 500 teens.

Rockin' Out at YCJ!!

When the popularity of Youth Charity Jam demanded professional event management, In Youth We Trust turned to the Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) organization for their expertise. By 2007, Youth Charity Jam had already raised over $20,000 for the Community Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Under RAMI’s management, Youth Charity Jam’s success has continued to grow. The winner of each year’s Youth Charity Jam performs at the Annual RAMI Awards. Many participating bands have also played at other events arranged by RAMI. Youth Charity Jam has since been relocated to the Tebala Shrine Temple which features a large stage conducive to the enhanced lighting and sound provided by the RAMI professionals.

Attendance has continued to climb. Proceeds from the Youth Charity Jam now benefit the Gary S. Wilmer/RAMI Music Scholarship Fund which provides resources for both the Youth Charity Jam Scholarship and the RAMI Music Scholarship. Under RAMI’s capable direction, Youth Charity Jam will provide opportunities for teen bands and dollars for scholarships for years to come.

Member Responsibilities

Attend required meetings and activities (approximately once per month during the school year).
Learn and understand the purpose of In Youth We Trust and the mission of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.
Learn grant making guidelines and procedures.
Prepare for and participate in grant review meetings.
Evaluate applications based on guidelines, community impact, and budget.
Identify and inform In Youth We Trust of the needs of youth in the community.
Be an advocate for the In Youth We Trust program.

Current In Youth We Trust Members

2011-2012 In Youth We Trust Executive Board

OFFICERS

Dan Kagan, President

Kayla Foster, Vice President

Laura Bauer, Secretary

Andrew Ross, Grants Officer

Beatrice Hagney, Membership Officer

Forrest Wilsey, Volunteer Officer

Aubree Grove, YCJ Liaison

MEMBERSHIP

Sarah Biernacki, Candace Brahm, Kourtny Briski, Danielle Coleman, Mary Cunningham, Jacob Ditsch, Hanna Fleming, Pia Gomez, Leigha Green, Tori Grove, Joel Huss, Nathan Huss, Haley Jaeger, Austin Laue, Miranda Lindvall, Lexi Mueller, Amy Naborowski, Reed Ortland, Abby Pauley, Rob Pirages, Ben Ross, Rachel Ross, Jericho Scott, Tyler Walsh, Lisa Wilken, Jeremi Zuba, Emily Zumbragel

ADVISORS

Joanna Bares, Barb Berman, Jeff DiBenedetto, Tricia Diduch, Heather Kelley, Kathy Kwiatt-Hess, James Patterson

How do I become a member?

Becoming a member of In Youth We Trust is easy! Just complete the following steps:

Step One: Review the information below
Step Two: Complete and submit the membership application below
Step Three: Attend an In Youth We Trust meeting as a guest
Step Four: Decide if you are willing to commit to attending most meetings and activities
Step Five: Request an interview

Call or email James Patterson with any questions at (815) 962-211- ext. 11 or jpatterson@cfnil.org.

Membership Information Downloads

If you want more information about In Youth We Trust, download the following documents:

In Youth We Trust Information Sheet »

What are people saying about In Youth We Trust? »

Current Meeting Schedule »

Membership Application »

Recent News

Auburn Key Club Grant for Kids Place »

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact James Patterson (Program & Scholarship Officer) at 815-962-2110 ext. 11 or e-mail him at jpatterson@cfnil.org.