YAPPERS grant more than $10,000 to Dubuque nonprofits
Local youth-philanthropists recently awarded more than $10,000 in grants to youth-serving agencies in Dubuque County to help strengthen and grow their programs.
The group of young grantmakers, known as YAPPERS, is organized by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and engages in teambuilding and leadership activities, discusses local youth issues, plans events and service projects, and makes funding decisions to support youth-serving organizations.
“The future of our region is bright,” says Jenna Manders, the Community Foundation’s knowledge management director who oversees the group. “These young people spent their school year raising money, assessing needs and ultimately granting funds for the betterment of our communities.”
The YAPPERS delivered checks for their 2019 grant program to the following nonprofits:
- Opening Doors - $531.60
Shelter Art Experience
- West Dubuque Community Schools - $1,500
Fresh Food Pantry
- St. Mark’s Youth Enrichment - $3,000
Apples for Students
- Riverview Center - $2,745
Sexual Assault Crisis Response Toolkit Project
- Hills & Dales - $800
AutismHD Clinic Therapeutic Supplies
- Finley Hospital - $1,598.40
Pediatric Rehabilitation Expansion Project
Grantmaking dollars are raised during the YAPPERS’ annual Feed the Need event, a soup luncheon and silent auction held each October. Since its inception in 2004, Feed the Need has raised over $63,000 for youth-serving nonprofits.
The YAPPERS experience gives teens confidence in their ability to impact the world around them. “Being involved with YAPPERS made me feel like I can actually do something to help my community,” said YAPPER Nyla Noble. “I can make a difference.”
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Photo caption: From left are Kaitlin Schmidt of St. Mark Youth Enrichment accepting a 2019 YAPPERS grant, presented by YAPPERS Avery Fair and Lilly Smith.