Youth and Philanthropy (YAP) is committed to the ideal that EVERYONE can be a philanthropist. We are looking for a diverse group of students with various passions, backgrounds, and skill sets to help make an impact in our community. Our staff and volunteers are excited to support students as they gain the tools and community insights needed to be part of the next generation of changemakers!

The Youth and Philanthropy (YAP) program is seeking 10th-12th grade students from any Tompkins County public, private, or home school for this year’s program. Students can enroll themselves or be nominated by a school faculty or staff member. Students must enroll or be nominated by October 18th. 

Youth and Philanthropy empowers students to take an active role in their community and understand the role of philanthropy in their lives. Participating students come together as grant reviewers to assess community needs and award $25,000 to local organizations across the county addressing those needs. Participants gain skills in consensus building, critical thinking, community needs assessment, and interview techniques. It is a great resume and college application builder!

YAP was first introduced to Tompkins County almost 20 years ago, and now over 200 students from every school district in Tompkins County have participated.

The program is led by Myriah Marnell, Assistant Vice President at Tompkins Community Bank and UWTC Board Vice Chair with Gregg Houck, Senior Director of Community Impact at United Way of Tompkins County.

Grant Opportunity

United Way of Tompkins County’s Youth and Philanthropy Grant is now accepting applications from area non-profits, community councils, and municipal programs. The YAP students will have $25,000 to distribute. Keeping this in mind, it is recommended that grant requests should be in the $500-$5,000 range. All applications must clearly identify how the grant funding will address specific community needs and how those needs were identified. Requests do not have to be youth centered. Please consider the audience you are addressing (teenagers) when completing your application.

Grant applications are due by Monday, October 30th. 

Start your application here. 

Youth and Philanthropy is made possible through the

generous financial support of Triad Foundation.