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Youth As Resources (YAR) is a grant-giving program which funds youth-designed, youth-led community service projects in Racine County, Wisconsin. Youth determine the project they believe will solve a need in their community such as a neighborhood clean-up campaign, educational programs for children or teens, meals for the needy or elderly, or other volunteer community service activities.
Youth groups may apply to YAR for small grants of up to $1000, although larger grants may be awarded depending upon the impact the service project could have in the community. Grant money may be used to purchase needed supplies for the project, but may not be used to pay for volunteer time. The YAR Board reads all applications and invites youth groups to present their proposals directly to the board.
To be considered for funding, youth must design a project that meets a community need, complete a grant application, research and design a budget, and present the proposal to the YAR board. Upon completion of their project, the youth must complete summary reports, submit receipts, and create a reflection book that tells the story of their project and demonstrates what they have learned from their involvement in the project.
Racine County Youth As Resources has established itself as an effective grant-making program which has involved more than 1,700 youth, in 20-35 service projects annually. Established in 1996 with grant funds from United Way of Racine County, Racine Community Foundation, and Racine County and using materials from the Center for Youth As Resources and ideas from many different youth development sources, our local Racine County Youth As Resources model was created.
Since 1996, the YAR Board has awarded $208,397.00 in grants to young people throughout Racine County. Support for Racine County Youth As Resources grants come from individual contributors and organizations such as United Way of Racine County and the SC Johnson Fund, Inc.
Young people need more opportunities to become decision-makers and serve their community. Youth As Resources presents an effective model of providing leadership opportunities to youth board members, as well as to the community service project leaders and participants.
