10/24/2027
Youth Advisory Councils, or YACs, from across Northeast Michigan convened in Alpena, Mich. on October 24th for a regional youth grantmakers conference hosted by the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM).
Approximately 100 YAC members and their adult advisors, including the Straits Area Community Foundation’s (SACF) YAC, gathered to collaborate and learn from each other as they prepare for a new year of grantmaking, leadership, community service, and philanthropic work. Takeaways from the conference will help these young people create positive and lasting impact through their time as YAC members. SACF’s YAC includes youth from Cheboygan, Wolverine, and Mackinaw City.
YACs are entrusted with recommending grants each year from endowed funds held at the Community Foundation. These grants support each YAC’s youth community by addressing pressing issues faced by their peers. Through this process, young people learn about the important role of giving and service, actively participating in work that helps their fellow youth.
CFNEM received grant support for the conference from an Alpena Community College Foundation Granum Grant and from the Council of Michigan Foundations.