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?
When and why was In Youth We Trust Started?
What do members do?
Newsletter – Volume Two, Issue One »
What are some of the grants In Youth We Trust funds?
L.O.V.E. Violence Prevention Program High School Peer Mediation Program
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.
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
Dan Kagan, President Kayla Foster, Vice President Laura Bauer, Secretary 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 Becoming a member of In Youth We Trust is easy! Just complete the following steps: Step One: Review the information below Call or email James Patterson with any questions at (815) 962-211- ext. 11 or jpatterson@cfnil.org. 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? » Auburn Key Club Grant for Kids Place » 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.How do I become a member?
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 interviewMembership Information Downloads
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