Best Practice Number Six

Annually engages in a grantmaking process that is responsive to the critical issues of area youth.

Explanation:

The grantmaking process includes development of grantmaking priorities (based on the results of the needs assessment), soliciting grant proposals, reviewing grants, making grant recommendations to the Board of Trustees, and evaluating the impact of grants on the local youth community.

Recommendations for YACers:

Review and update the grantmaking process and materials each year.

Proactively seek grantees that involve youth in the development, implementation, and evaluation of projects and offer volunteer opportunities for youth in the project.

Encourage site visits by YAC members to potential grantees.

Consider making mini-grants in addition to large grants.

YACs that have no grant funds available can use their assessment of critical issues to guide engagement in community service projects or other community activities.