Youth Philanthropy Board
The 2024-2026 YPB Cohort with their mentors
Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB)
Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB) is GGICF's two-year community leadership program where Hall County high school juniors and seniors raise funds, award grants to youth-serving nonprofits, and learn to create real impact through hands-on philanthropy and teamwork.
In partnership with Leadership Unlimited's Youth Leadership Tomorrow, YPB gives students a chance to experience every step of the philanthropic process — from identifying community needs and raising funds to reviewing grant applications and awarding dollars to local nonprofits serving youth.
Applications will open for Hall County sophomores in January 2027.
Mission
To assist organizations that provide innovative support to youth and encourage better choices.
Vision
A future where positive behaviors of teens are supported through mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, safe and fun activities, and peer-to-peer education.
Donate to the Youth Philanthropy Board
How the Program Works
Juniors serve as the grantmaking board. They review applications from nonprofits, conduct site visits, and make funding decisions for projects that directly benefit youth in Hall County.
Seniors focus on fundraising and donor relations, raising the funds that the next year’s juniors will award through their grants.
Throughout the two years, students also explore leadership development, community impact, and the importance of giving back — preparing them to become caring, invested adults and future community leaders.
Learn More About the Junior's YPB Grant Program Here
What Makes YPB Unique
- Youth-led decision making: Students control the grantmaking process and fundraising, from setting priorities to final funding decisions.
- Real-world philanthropy: Funds raised by seniors are awarded by juniors, creating a sustainable cycle of giving.
- Community connection: Students meet with nonprofit leaders, visit local organizations, and see philanthropy in action.
- Collaboration and growth: Students are guided by mentors, qualified community professionals, throughout the program. A professional mediator guides the juniors as they reach consensus during the grant decision process — one of the most powerful moments of the year!
Get Involved
Applications open each February for current sophomores in Hall County schools. Selected students commit to a two-year term beginning their junior year.
For questions about YPB or the application process, contact Sara Tall, GGICF Program Officer and YPB Coordinator, at stall@gicf.org.
YPB in Action
Since its creation, the Youth Philanthropy Board has awarded more than $150,000 in grants to projects supporting youth mental health, mentoring, safe activities, and basic needs across Hall County. Each year, the juniors award $25,000+ in grants — all raised by the senior class before them.
“My favorite part of facilitating YPB is when the students become really invested in the process. You can pinpoint it to their junior year when they’ve rated applications, conducted site visits, and must reach consensus on who to award their funding to.”
— Sara Tall, YPB Coordinator
“Youth Philanthropy Board has helped me understand how crucial it is for communities to come together for the greater good.”
— Lauren Anderson, YPB Senior