YAC Awards $8,700 in Grants to Support Huron County Youth
The Huron County Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is proud to announce the recipients of its most recent grant cycle, awarding a total of $8,700 across 11 projects that will make a meaningful impact on youth throughout Huron County.
Each year, the HCCF YAC, comprised of high school students from each of our area high schools, reviews grant applications and recommends funding for programs and initiatives that support, engage, and empower young people. This cycle was no exception, as YAC members carefully evaluated a strong pool of 17 applications requesting over $91,000 before making their final decisions.
Through this process, students gain hands-on experience in philanthropy, leadership, and community service. They assess community needs, discuss funding priorities, and work collaboratively to ensure grant dollars are invested where they can make the greatest difference.
“Being a part of YAC has taught me invaluable life lessons and shown me how even the smallest actions can create meaningful change in someone’s life. Through awarding grants in our community, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful decisions and collective effort can positively impact individuals and families in ways that truly matter.” - Amelia Capling, YAC Co-Chair
This year’s projects reflect the diverse needs and opportunities within Huron County. From literacy to community engagement and basic needs to recreation and wellness, each grant recipient is helping to create positive experiences and opportunities for local youth. The current YAC priorities are focused on addressing mental health and fostering a culture of mutual respect.
2026 YAC Grant Recipients:
North Huron National Honor Society - Polka Fest Breakfast - to supply food for the Polka Fest Breakfast - $200
North Huron School Jr/Sr High School - Fill the Bookshelf - To purchase books for the classroom library so students can have their book of choice for their two hours of required reading each week - $300
Harbor Beach Active Minds - You Belong Here: Freshman Care Package Project - Creating care packages to welcome incoming freshmen - $300
Bad Axe Area District Library - Book Giveaways for Kids - To supply all students Y5-8th at Bad Axe Public Schools with a free book during March is Reading Month - $350
Huron Area Technical Center - HATC Career Closet - To support the professional attire needs of students - $410
Exploring the Arts - Children's Art Camp - Ages 7-14 -Huron County fine arts camp provides a safe environment, taught by professional teachers, to learn and develop confidence in exploring new interests and learning from mistakes. - $500
Ubly Fox Hunters Club - Hunter Safety - To help promote youth hunter safety with the proper equipment - $500
Caseville Public Schools - Reading Center Books - to purchase books for our new Reading Center - $750
Harbor Beach Little League - To purchase equipment and bases for a new field at North Park - $800
CAN Council - Healthy Hygiene Help - Hygiene kits and educational materials for abused children - $1,000
Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Bed Build and Delivery - Our mission is "no kid sleeps on the floor in our town" - $3,600
YAC is continually inspired by the dedication of local organizations working to serve young people and strengthen our community. The committee is grateful to all who applied and encourages those who were not selected this cycle to consider applying in the future.
“During every discussion we have about grants, I learn more and more about the community. Seeing how many people in our community are working together to create opportunities for our county residents is inspiring to me” - Lacey Newland, YAC Co-Chair
The impact of these grants is made possible through the Youth Activities Endowment Fund, which supports YAC’s grantmaking and service efforts. Gifts to this fund help ensure that future generations of Huron County youth will continue to benefit from programs and opportunities designed with them in mind.
The Youth Advisory Committee continues to demonstrate the power of young people working together to invest in their community!