The Youth Advisory Group (YAG), a student-led grantmaking initiative of The Guilford Foundation, proudly announces the distribution of $13,200 in grants to local nonprofits and a Guilford High School (GHS) program. This milestone exemplifies the collective effort of dedicated students who raised nearly $9,000 through traditional fundraising appeals and the sale of luminaria at the Guilford Tree Lighting. The grant amount was further bolstered by a matching contribution of $5,000 from the Elizabeth Adams Fund, underscoring the profound impact of community support.

In a display of leadership and a focus on community enrichment, YAG awarded nine grants, ranging from $500 to $2,500, to the following deserving recipients:

• ALEX, Inc.: Queer Prom
• Community Dining Room: CommUNITY Cuisines Series
• First Congregational Church of Guilford: Pilgrim Fellowship Youth Leadership Retreat
• GHS No Place for Hate Committee: GHS Multicultural Festival
• Guilford Center for Children Early Education: Tuition Assistance for families
• Guilford Center for Children Before and After School Care: Tuition Assistance for families
• Guilford Keeping Society: Update Docent Manuals and fund a GHS Intern
• Guilford Social Services: Back to School Program
• SARAH Foundation: Gavin & Friends Greenhouse Project

Through a partnership between The Guilford Foundation and the GHS Interact Club, the Youth Advisory Group was established in 2010 as a cornerstone for youth philanthropy in Guilford. In the past 14 years, YAG members invested more than $150,000 into the Guilford community through its grantmaking.

The Youth Advisory Group operates like a mini-foundation run by students who address the pressing needs of our community through thoughtful grantmaking. The members are empowered to drive decision-making, conduct monthly meetings, organize fundraising events, and present their grant recommendations to TGF’s Board of Directors. This role allows students to gain hands-on experience and build critical leadership skills.

The 2024-2025 YAG team includes dedicated members Julianne Berthelot, Scarlet Earls, Mary Gahm, Nathaniel Greif, Samantha Iglesias, Liza Irwin, Abby Li, Lyra Monaco, Huiying Muhs, Elizabeth Reale, Charlotte Rebhun, Lily Scoggin, Pierson Schlagheck, and Emelia Votto.

Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra explained, “I am fortunate to be one of the advisors for YAG. These students are smart, motivated, and committed to making a difference in our world. The Youth Advisory Group provides a meaningful experience for them as they engage with local organizations and see firsthand the positive community impact resulting from their hard work.” We hope this experience inspires our ‘Yaggies’ to use philanthropy and their voices to create positive impact in their communities moving forward.”

With a mission to cultivate the next generation of responsible philanthropists, the Youth Advisory Group is actively seeking new members to join for the 2025-2026 school year. This meaningful initiative builds leadership skills while giving back to the community.

Students interested in becoming a part of this transformative experience should contact Liza Janssen Petra at [email protected].

To learn more about our Youth Advisory Group, click here.