In the fall of 2020, Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) begins its 12th year as a youth-led committee of the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The mission of YEP is to improve the quality of life for youth in DeKalb County. YEP is currently accept membership applications online. Deadline to apply is Friday, September 4, 2020.

YEP is free and open to all high school students in DeKalb County. Through monthly meetings and volunteer outreach events, YEP builds leadership, communication, social, and analytical skills. Members are familiarized with nonprofits, build an understanding of philanthropy, and are introduced to grantmaking. A large portion of the year is spent on grantmaking. Members learn to analyze grant applications, conduct site visits, and identify the potential impact on other youth in DeKalb County. Last year, the YEP committee granted $12,583 to nine local nonprofit and community organizations for a variety of youth serving programs and projects.

Register for the YEP Meet and Greet webinar >

In an effort to be a county-wide committee, YEP is still seeking members from the following high schools: Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC), Hiawatha, Hinckley-Big Rock, Home School, Sandwich, and Somonauk. Those interested in learning more about YEP are invited to the August 23 Meet & Greet webinar.

“As we enter the 2020-2021 year of YEP, we face a challenge with COVID-19, said YEP Staff Advisor Noah Nordbrock. “We desire to provide a safe and high quality opportunity for our members. With this in mind, YEP will look a little different this year. As of August 2020, we will proceed following the guidelines and format in our 2020-2021 Return to YEP Plan.”

Youth interested in joining must submit an application prior to the September 4, deadline. To keep the focus on being a county-wide committee, a cap is in place for membership per high school. Learn more or apply online at dekalbccf.org/yep. For questions or additional information, please contact Noah Nordbrock at 815-748-5383 or noah@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured: February 2020 – The YEP Executive Committee leads discussion on grantmaking prior to reviewing last year’s grant applications.