Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council

03/18/2026

The YAC team had a great meeting last week at the Historic Cass County Courthouse!

YAC students spent time discussing upcoming nonprofit site visits, recruitment efforts, and new volunteer opportunities—continuing their work to make a positive impact across our community.

A big thank you to Cass County, Michigan - Government for the use of such a beautiful and historic space!

03/17/2026

Thank you businesses and community memebrs!

A huge thank you to the Buchanan Business Boosters for their creativity and community spirit in supporting the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Youth Fund!

This past weekend’s Lucky Duck Kids Festival in downtown Buchanan was full of fun—and purpose. Thanks to their efforts, $211 was raised to support our Youth Fund!

The MGCF Youth Fund, led by the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council, empowers local students to make a real difference by funding projects that strengthen our communities. Recent grants have supported incredible initiatives like Junior Achievement in Berrien and Cass Counties, the One Buchanan Mental Health Forum, programs at Heritage Southwest ISD and Edwardsburg Public Schools, the Buchanan District Library, Rising Kites Coffee in Bridgeman, and the United Way of Southwest Michigan.

We’re grateful for partners like the Buchanan Business Boosters, citizens, and all of the businesses who participated over the weekend, who help invest in the next generation of leaders.

Learn more about the Youth Fund, how it’s making an impact, and how you can contribute: https://www.mgcf.org/yac

03/13/2026

On Wednesday March 11, One Buchanan hosted a Mental Health & Su***de Prevention Forum at Buchanan High School.

The event brought students, parents, and community members together to hear from powerful and educational speakers, connect with area agencies, and learn more about mental health and su***de prevention resources.

The event was made possible through a grant from the Youth Advisory Council.

YAC is proud to support programs like this that help bring important conversations and resources to our community!

03/04/2026

We were happy to give One Buchanan a grant last month for this mental health forum. This is a free event, open to the community!

02/12/2026

The Youth Advisory Council met at our new facility on Sunday to consider presentations from five grantees in the February grant cycle. Please note that our office has moved to the Ross Sanders House, located at 107 W Front Street in Buchanan.

02/01/2026

Celebrating Austin from Buchanan High School! Austin has been in YAC for 2 years and loves being involved in helping the community. While he’s still unsure what he wants to study next, his impact and dedication to YAC won’t be forgotten.

01/26/2026

Last week some of our Buchanan YAC students presented this check to the National Honor Society at Buchanan High School. This was a mini grant written by Lily Fleming for our November Mini grant cycle. The funds were used by the Buchanan NHS to purchase food for one of the Little Free Food Pantry’s in town. This group volunteered to keep the food pantry stocked for a month!

01/25/2026

As a senior, Sydney says her favorite thing about YAC is probably the people she’s met over the years. She is currently undecided on what school she plans to attend, but she hopes to pursue a major in architecture. Sydney has been involved in YAC for four years, and during that time she’s built meaningful connections that have made the experience special to her.

01/22/2026

01/22/2026

Our YAC crew is excited to give your organization money!

Apply for a grant through MGCF before the February 1st deadline. If you don’t apply, you don’t get funds!

⏰ Friendly reminder from Michigan Gateway Community Foundation!

A couple of important deadlines are coming up, and we don’t want anyone to miss out:

💙 Grant Applications are due February 1
🎓 Scholarship Applications are open now through March 15

Whether you’re a nonprofit planning your next project or a student thinking about the future, now’s a great time to take that next step. And if you have questions along the way — that’s what we’re here for! Our team is always happy to help you navigate the process.

Learn more or get started at www.mgcf.org, or feel free to reach out to MGCF directly with any questions.

01/17/2026

A few of our YAC members and friends volunteered this evening at the Hunter Ice Festival downtown Niles at the NODE selling Culver’s frozen custard🍨