Youth Philanthropy Board grant applications due Jan. 1

Delaware nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for grants from the Delaware Community Foundation Sussex County Youth Philanthropy Boards.

Applications must be submitted by Monday, Jan. 1.

A total of $10,000 will be awarded. The board will consider nonprofit organizations that focus on mentoring at-risk youth in Sussex County, with a preference toward programs supporting those affected by substance abuse, sex trafficking and/or mental health issues. Typical awards are $1,000 to $5,000 per year.

To submit grant requests, go to www.delcf.org/grants. Applicants will be notified in April 2019.

The DCF sponsors the YPBs in each county to encourage younger generations to become more involved in philanthropy. Each board, composed of high school students from public, private and parochial schools, is allotted a pool of money to give as charitable grants. The students learn about philanthropy and effective grant-making, study youth issues in their neighborhoods and schools, solicit grant proposals, and award grants to those they determine to be most deserving.

Retired Delaware educator Phyllis Wynn established the Youth Philanthropy Fund in 1999 because she wanted to encourage youth to become more involved in philanthropic ventures. Students who serve on the YPB are nominated by their principal or guidance counselor.

“The Youth Philanthropy Board program gives students an opportunity to enjoy the pleasure and the challenges of charitable giving, including determining how to make the greatest impact on quality of life with the limited resources available,” said DCF President and CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay. “It’s an important program because we are cultivating the philanthropists of tomorrow.”