Southern Indiana students award $9,450 in grants to local youth-focused nonprofits

A dedicated group of 20 high school students from eight schools across Clark and Floyd counties recently awarded $9,450 in grant funding to 10 local nonprofit organizations focused on youth programming. These students serve on the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC), a program of the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana designed to inspire a spirit of giving and community service among youth.

Since September, YPC members have met regularly to learn about philanthropy, nonprofit work, and community needs. Guided by adult volunteers, the students led a competitive grant cycle, open to any nonprofit serving youth in Southern Indiana. Through this hands-on process, council members developed valuable skills in grant evaluation, stewardship, and leadership—carefully reviewing applications and awarding grants of up to $1,000 to programs that will benefit an estimated 2,500 children in the region.

The culmination of their efforts was celebrated last week at a grant award ceremony held at Prosser Career Education Center. During the event, the students personally presented checks to the organizations they selected, gaining the opportunity to hear firsthand how the funding will support local youth.“The event is a nice way to recognize council members for their commitment to the YPC each year, as well as commend them for all the dedication they put into being good stewards of the competitive grant program,” said Crystal Melcher, Vice President of Community Philanthropy at the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity for council members to meet these very deserving nonprofit recipients and hear first-hand how the funding will benefit youth in the community.”

This year’s grant recipients and their funded programs include:

• Camp Quality Kentuckiana – Camp Quality 2025 (for children living with cancer)

• City of Charlestown – Brick Building Workshops for Youth

• Clark County Youth Shelter – Youth Activity Support Program

• Family Ark – Hope and Healing: A Teen Space for Growth and Support

• Floyd County Blessings in a Backpack – Weekend Food Support for Students

• Friends of Open Door Youth Services – New Directions Summer Adventurer Program

• Jeffersonville Township Public Library – Materials for Youth with Reading Challenges

• Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana – Our City: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

• Silver Heights Camp and Retreat Center – Accessible Fire Pit

• Youth Link Southern Indiana – 3,2,1 Read Program

“Programs like the Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council are huge for helping students grow into leaders,” said Eddie Bobbitt, Executive Director of Camp Quality Kentuckiana. “It gives them the chance to step up, build confidence, and see the impact they can make by supporting nonprofits who are filling unmet needs in our community.”

Since its inception, the Youth Philanthropy Council has awarded more than $180,000 in grants to organizations supporting young people across Southern Indiana.

The council will begin accepting new member applications in May for students interested in joining next year’s class.

To learn more about the Youth Philanthropy Council or how to get involved, visit www.CFSouthernIndiana.com/programs.