It has been another impactful year for the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)! This year, the committee recommended $147,828 in grant funding to programs and organizations serving youth across Emmet County.

During the fall and spring grant cycles, YAC members review and score grant applications before meeting directly with applicants during an in-person interview day. Through this process, students gain firsthand insight into the work of local nonprofits and thoughtfully discuss how to support as many meaningful projects as possible.

Throughout the year, committee members also participate in monthly meetings focused on philanthropy, community engagement, and volunteerism. Together, they build leadership skills while learning the values of active citizenship and community involvement.

This year, we recognize the following graduating seniors: Lucia Andrews, Callie Keiser, Sam Nemec, Sophia Nicholls, Charlie Olson, and Nora Riley.

Each senior is given the opportunity to recommend a grant of $100 to the nonprofit of their choice. Here are this year's recommendations:
 

View the slideshow below for a look at some notable moments from the 2025-2026 YAC.

Images include: orientation day at Camp Daggett in partnership with Charlevoix County Community Foundation, interviewing grant applicants and making funding recommendations for projects that support youth in our area, volunteering at Manna to provide food for people in need, planting trees with Little Traverse Conservancy, and bowling at the end of the year celebration!