Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP), a youth-led committee of the DeKalb County Community Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life for youth in DeKalb County, Illinois. Open to all high school students in the county, YEP offers opportunities to develop leadership, communication, social, and analytical skills through monthly meetings, volunteer events, and grantmaking activities. Each year, the group allocates over $15,000 in grants to nonprofit and community organizations for programs that benefit local youth. YEP also emphasizes civic engagement, providing members with tools to use their voices effectively for community improvement.

The program operates on an academic calendar, with applications for membership opening annually on July 1 and closing on September 1. Members participate in grant analysis, site visits, and discussions to evaluate the impact of proposed projects on youth in the community. Additional leadership opportunities are available for returning members through the YEP 2.Pro Committee, which addresses youth issues proactively, and the Fundraising Committee, which supports YEP’s operations through donor engagement and grant-writing efforts.

YEP also awards the annual Changemakers Scholarship, a $1,000 one-time grant for tuition or educational expenses to a graduating senior with at least two years of YEP membership. Applications for the scholarship open from February 1 to April 1. Recipients are chosen based on their embodiment of YEP’s values, with selection conducted by a committee of Foundation Board members, volunteers, and YEP alumni. The scholarship was established in 2022 and is supported through community donations, including contributions made in memory of Kurt D. Hudson.

In addition to their grantmaking and leadership activities, YEP members engage in hands-on volunteer efforts, such as packing meals for organizations like Feed My Starving Children. These events foster teamwork and reinforce the importance of direct service in philanthropy. Regular surveys of members ensure the program remains responsive to their needs and interests, with feedback shaping future initiatives.

Meetings are held monthly and include training in philanthropy, discussion of community issues, and preparation for grantmaking responsibilities. YEP is open to all students living or attending school in DeKalb County, including homeschooled students. The group also actively connects with alumni and community supporters to sustain its mission and expand its impact.

Questions about membership, activities, or the scholarship can be directed to YEP Staff Advisor Noah Nordbrock at noah@dekalbccf.org or by calling 815-748-5383. For updates, YEP can be followed on social media, where members and supporters share their stories and celebrate the program’s contributions to the community.