5 Great Things That Happen When Youth Become Grantmakers

May 14, 2025

Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they’re already making a BIG impact today. In Box Butte County, Nebraska, a group of middle and high school students are proving that when youth are given the tools and trust to lead, they rise to the occasion.

Through Youth Grantmaking Workshops, students worked as a team to decide where $30,000 in grant funding should go. They learned how to think carefully, work together, and support causes that matter most to them – then awarded funds in January and in May.

Here are five great things that happen when youth become Grantmakers:

1. They Know What Their Community Needs

Teens understand what other young people are going through. That’s why they chose to fund projects that help with mental health, hunger, and creating safe spaces. Their decisions were based on what they see and experience every day.

2. They Help Make Big Changes

These students did more than give out money—they shared ideas that helped shape important plans for the future. Their voices were heard by local leaders and became part of a larger plan to improve their communities.

3. They Learn Leadership and Teamwork

This project taught students how to listen to others, share their own opinions, and make decisions together. It showed them what it means to be a leader and to work as a team to help others.

4. They Connect With Others

The students worked with local leaders and groups to make their decisions. These new relationships will help them grow as leaders and stay involved in their communities.

5. They Inspire Us All

This group of young people was even honored with a statewide award! Their kindness, hard work, and care for their communities shows that youth can do amazing things.

Snow-Redfern Foundation is proud to support youth in making a difference. Want to help more young people become leaders and changemakers?

Make a gift to the Snow-Redfern Foundation today. Your support helps youth grow their leadership and make Nebraska communities stronger for everyone.