Apply to the 2026 Youth Philanthropy Board and youth leadership tomorrow!

Hey High School Sophomores! Want to help decide how real money is used to support youth in your community — while building leadership skills that actually matter? The Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB) offers Hall County students a unique, hands-on opportunity to lead, learn, and make a real impact close to home.

One application gives you the opportunity to be considered for both the Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB) and Youth Leadership Tomorrow (YLT). YPB is the heart of this experience, where students step into real decision-making roles, while YLT provides leadership training that supports and strengthens the work students do through YPB.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, students must:

• Be a current high school sophomore

• Attend a Hall County high school

• Be willing to actively participate, collaborate with peers, and try new things for two years

• Be interested in learning about leadership, philanthropy, and community impact

• Submit your application and reference by February 23 at 4 pm.

No prior leadership experience is required — curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn are what matter most.

Click here to learn more and apply!

As part of the Youth Philanthropy Board, students help decide how thousands of dollars are awarded to local nonprofit organizations serving youth in Hall County. Students review grant applications, ask thoughtful questions, visit organizations, and work together to make real funding decisions that create lasting impact.

Along the way, YPB students learn how philanthropy works — how money can be used thoughtfully and responsibly to support people and causes. They also gain experience in fundraising, communication, teamwork, and community engagement, building skills that will serve them well beyond high school.

Participation in YPB is supported by Youth Leadership Tomorrow (YLT), a leadership development program that helps students better understand their strengths and their role in the community. Through interactive sessions and hands-on learning, students build confidence, empathy, and teamwork skills that strengthen their work on YPB. The fee for YLT is $400. Scholarships are available. There is no cost for YPB.

Students often say YPB helps them grow as leaders, feel more connected to their community, and better understand how change happens. The experience also provides meaningful, real-world examples of leadership that stand out on college and scholarship applications.

The application is designed to help us get to know you — what you care about, what you’re curious to learn, and how you hope to grow. If you’re ready to challenge yourself, work as part of a team, and make a real difference in Hall County, we encourage you to apply.

To learn more and submit your application, visit
https://www.gicf.org/communities/youth-philanthropy-board-grant/Application for Youth Leadership Tomorrow Class 30 & Youth Philanthropy Board