YAG members raise funds throughout the year through direct appeal, selling luminaria to line the sidewalks at the holiday tree lighting, organizing car washes, and planning other events. The group also solicits grant applications from nonprofits serving youth and families in Guilford. YAG reviews the grant applications, selects projects that meet its funding guidelines, and presents its recommendations to the Guilford Foundation Board of Directors for approval.

The Guilford Interact Student Advisory Fund was established to create a permanent funding source for YAG’s grantmaking. TGF matches the funds YAG raises annually to grow its dedicated endowment fund, which currently exceeds $60,000.

Through the hard work of dedicated and philanthropic students, YAG has invested more than $130,000 in the community since its inception in 2010. Recent grant recipients include Alex, Inc. Community Dining Room Community Nursery School, Guilford Center for Children, Guilford Free Library, Guilford Social Services, SARAH Foundation, Shoreline Arts Alliance, The Guilford Fair Parade and Women & Family Life Center.

We thank Tim Geelen (TGF Board Chair at the time) and Al Jacobs (former GHS Interact Advisor) for the vision to foster philanthropy among high school students through the Youth Advisory Group.

Learn more about YAG.