Youth Grantmakers Summer Leadership Conference 2025

2025 YOUTH GRANTMAKERS SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
 

We're excited to share the youth conference learning lineup! In addition to our opening sessions, each conference attendee will select three breakout sessions they would like to attend once on-site at the conference. If you have multiple participants you may want to ensure they are attending a mix of sessions to expand learning opportunities for your YAC. We look forward to seeing you in June! 

Questions? 
Please contact Megan Gydesen, 2025 Mawby Intern, Council of Michigan Foundations via [email protected] or call 313-398-2958

Conference Connections
 

All youth conference attendees will start their conference experience with a YAC Connect session. Session leaders will review the conference agenda, facilitate a discussion about the importance of philanthropic activity and motivations that drive individual participation in the community of philanthropy, and guide a conversation about the history and best practices of the Michigan Community Foundations’ Youth Project and YACs and support conference attendees in networking and connection activities.   

Sessions will be assigned to ensure first-time attendees engage with content that will help ground their experience while those who are past attendees and/ or leaders on their YAC have an opportunity to engage in deeper content. 

Breakout Sessions (Attendees will select 3)

Action! A Director’s Guide to Facilitation
Learn how to engage, guide, and empower your team. In this session, you’ll learn how to lead with confidence, adapt to different scenarios, and keep any group energized and focused. Step up, take the mic, and master the art of facilitation!

Post Credits: Planning for your Sequel in Philanthropy
A breakout room designed to educate YACers on philanthropy both in their future careers and outside. We hope to give YACers in the information and role models to inspire them that philanthropy is a lifelong mission.

Sequel Worthy Grantmaking: Building Sustainable Impact
Learn about different strategies for proactive and reactive grantmaking through group activities and how to apply to make a sustainable impact. Practice reviewing grants and practicing how to engage with organizations in your community to best address their needs.

Your YAC Press Tour
Learn how to utilize various social media platforms to effectively recruit new YAC members, increase your presence in your community, and foster meaningful connections for your YAC (and yourself)!

YAC: Behind the Scenes
This breakout session is designed to engage youth in conversations regarding philanthropy beyond grantmaking.  We’ll start with a quick icebreaker, then explore the aspects of philanthropy through interactive activities and peer discussions, and conclude by discussing MCFYP and how we work to engage in philanthropy beyond grantmaking.

CGI: Creating the World you Want
We will explore how young people can engage with government and local policy to make their voices heard in the community. Then, we'll practice writing letters to local officials and develop concrete action steps for YAC members to take home to impact a topic they are passionate about.