TGF is a nine month program where students meet regularly to learn about the role that nonprofit organizations play in our community. They meet with and tour local not-for-profit organizations to learn more about their daily operations, purpose, impact, struggles and needs. TGF team members experience every aspect of the grant cycle from the press release to the decision process and distribution of funds.
TGF is governed by a core group of about 25 high school students from grade levels 9-12, along with a GIFT adviser, and one or two adult volunteers. The teens will have an opportunity to be an active member of TGF each year of their high school career. This will provide continuity and foster sharing of knowledge and experience to new team members.
Candidates will apply for the position and will be required to:
- Be engaged and passionate about the organization and its purpose
- Commit to attending monthly meetings and participating in discussion and tasks
- Submit an application along with a permission form signed by their parent or guardian
- Submit a 1-page essay stating why they are interested, what makes them a good candidate, and what areas they feel are important to improve upon in our community
This is a commitment of time and dedication by all student and adult participants. We will provide orientation, guidance and training on common grant concerns, responsibilities, policies and procedures along with service expectation.
Together the TGF team will reach far beyond the notion of community; they will dig deep into the needs of the community and the heart of why these needs exist. They will become leaders, and agents of change.
Ultimately the group will come up with a funding priority consensus. At the end of each school year they will reflect, measure and evaluate what they learned and the impact they had on area youth, adults, the community and each other.
We are very excited about this initiative and the opportunities it presents. More area teens are passionately embracing and supporting this program each year and we encourage you to do the same!