Compiled below are a collection of downloadable sample documents for youth philanthropy.

In accessing the resources available through CMF’s Sample Documents Hub, it is important to keep in mind a few key tips to ensure that you choose the most useful templates that apply best to your organization.  

• Find sample documents that fit your organization’s size and structure: Sample documents vary widely, depending on the organization that developed it.  Try to find examples that originate from foundations that share at least some of the traits of your organization.  For example, a small foundation may find using a template created for a 100+ staff foundation or large university to be overwhelming for use by a small team.   

• Look for multiple samples: Organizations should review multiple examples of the sample document that they need, whether that is a grant application, mission statement, or internal policy.  In looking across several organizations’ versions, it becomes increasingly apparent how the writers customize the general concept to their particular needs.  These variations may take the shape of different formats or language that reflect the organization’s internal structures, capacity, or purpose.   

• Expect to make changes: A sample document is not a one-size-fits-all template and will need to be adapted to your organization’s particular needs.  Plan to draft a version (or several) with the help of staff or board members, using the samples for suggestions of the language, format, and structure.  Also, consider having several people review the draft before finalizing it.  In some cases, the final document may also need to be approved by foundation leadership or the board, so plan for additional changes that may come along during those review periods. 

The Council of Michigan Foundations is pleased to share the following sample documents as a member resource. Please note that these files are provided for educational purposes only, as a reference in developing your own materials. As such, be sure to consult your professional, legal and financial advisors in the development of materials specific to your foundation’s needs.

This toolkit provides questions, activities, and practices to help create a more diverse and inclusive youth advisory council.

It has been 20 years since the launch of the Michigan Community Foundations’ Youth Project (MCFYP), a groundbreaking effort to spread youth philanthropy throughout Michigan’s community foundations and all 83 counties. In honor of the 20th anniversary, the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) commissioned the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University to assess the impact of MCFYP.  Drawing on surveys, focus groups, archival documents, and interviews with youth participants and adult advisors and leaders, this report documents the impacts on youth, the participating community foundations, and the Michigan communities.

Foundation Center is building YouthGiving.org, a platform to elevate stories, resources, and data about youth grantmaking.

This collection, part of the larger platform, brings together a wealth of reports, articles, case studies, multimedia, and other resources for adults and youth already engaged in or looking to get involved in this work. 

This guide introduces young people to strategic, thoughtful philanthropy, and inspires them toward giving with impact. Families and adults who work with youth can use these guides to facilitate peer discussions and fun activities around giving.