SACRAMENTO REGION COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTS ADVISORY BOARD FOR YOUTH (GABY) 2009 2010 APPLICATION Applications due by 6 PM on August 17, 2009 BACKGROUND INFORMATION This program is made possible through a partnership between the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and Sierra Health Foundation.
WHAT IS THE GRANTS ADVISORY BOARD FOR YOUTH? The Grants Advisory Board for Youth (GABY) is a program that teaches youth the skills and knowledge to become better community leaders in the future. It consists of approximately 20 youth, ages 14 to 17, who are responsible for learning about grantmaking to fund youth led projects in their communities. In 2008, GABY members funded 16 youth led projects that helped make their communities more eco friendly. WHAT EXACTLY DOES GABY DO? Encourages youth to learn about giving and serving and taking action on issues that they care about Reviews proposed project ideas and makes decisions as a group about which projects to give money to Makes grants to youth in the community who are trying to make a difference Follows up with funded grants through phone calls, site visits, and event attendance Teaches youth what it means to work together for the betterment of the community! WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF SERVING ON GABY? Serving on GABY is a great way to gain valuable knowledge in the field of philanthropy and community service. Participants will gain skills and attitudes that will continue to serve them in leadership roles throughout their young adult lives and long into the future. Participants can expect to gain: Increased knowledge of community engagement Leadership skills, such as facilitation, decision making, teamwork, and self reflection Self confidence and ability to work with diverse groups of people Opportunities to contribute to positive community change New friendships and positive working relationships WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT? GABY members are asked to attend an orientation session/parent meeting, two Saturday meetings, and monthly board meetings, which are held in the evenings. Our busiest time is between December and February, when we will be reviewing grant applications and deciding which grant proposals will receive funding. There is also some independent work outside of the scheduled meetings, including site visits and following up with your peers and grantees through email. We ask that you be very honest with yourself about your willingness and ability to commit to the hours before submitting an application. WHO CAN APPLY TO SERVE ON THE BOARD? Young people between the ages of 14 and 17 who are interested in making a difference in their communities and learning important leadership skills can apply. Because of the time commitment required for GABY, we are not accepting high school seniors this year. For a more detailed description of what it takes to be a GABY member, read the Member Description on the following page. HOW DO I APPLY? Please visit our website at http://gaby.sacregcf.com for application materials or contact the Sacramento Region Community Foundation at 916-921-7723 or GABY@sacregcf.org.
GABY MEMBER DESCRIPTION We are looking for enthusiastic youth ages 14 17 that have exhibited leadership potential and have an interest in representing the youth in their community. They must be willing to work with others to: Learn about giving and serving and taking actions on issues they care about Reach out to other youth working to support the community Decide and recommend which projects to grant money to Ensure that grants are used to meet the needs of the youth in our service area Commit a minimum of 4 hours per month for meetings and related activities GABY APPLICANTS SHOULD DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING: Availability and commitment The applicant is not already committed to a variety of other activities that may conflict with their ability to fully commit to service on the board. In addition, they have demonstrated an ability to balance school work and extracurricular activities in the past. Note: Three unexcused absences from meetings will result in removal from the Board. Community awareness The applicant has exhibited interest to serve their community. Follow through The applicant is able to follow through with tasks for which they volunteer for. Leadership potential and social skills The applicant is able to listen, is considerate of others input, and demonstrates a willingness to share opinions with others. Openness to working with others The applicant has exhibited a willingness to work with people of diverse ages and backgrounds. Potential for personal growth The applicant has a strong desire to learn, develop new skills, and experience new opportunities. Please visit our website at http://gaby.sacregcf.org for application materials.
HOW TO APPLY Please type all your answers as the application must be sent electronically. Make sure you have completed the following steps: Thoroughly completed the Application Form Responded to Personal Statement questions Give the recommendation letter form to an adult other than a parent or relative. (This could include a teacher, counselor, employer, coach, minister/rabbi, priest, etc.) They should give this letter back to you, so that you may include it in your GABY Application Packet. Visit http://gaby.sacregcf.com, create an account and complete the 3 online e learning modules from the course Giving 101. Fill out the application as best as you can. If you have any questions or would like assistance, please call the Sacramento Region Community Foundation at (916) 921 7723, or email GABY@sacregcf.org. If your application is accepted, we will contact you with further information. Final decisions will be announced by Friday, August 21, 2009. HOW TO SEND IN APPLICATION All applications must be sent electronically to: GABY@sacregcf.org
APPLICATION FORM 1. Name: 2. Address: 3. Phone: ( ) Alternate: ( ) 4. E mail (if available): 5. Age: 6. Name of school: 7. Grade: 8. When and how should we contact you? (Please circle) Phone e mail day evening weekdays weekends 9. Ethnicity and gender (optional). Please circle: Male Female Ethnicity: 10. How did you find out about the Grants Advisory Board for Youth? Friend School Newspaper/Media Flyer I was/knew a Grantee from previous years Other: Website
APPLICATION FORM CONTINUED 11. Please tell us about the activities you are involved in (you may attach another page if you need more space): In School Out of School 12. How do you plan on balancing your other activities with your commitment to GABY?
PERSONAL STATEMENTS Please answer the following questions. Make sure all answers are typed. 13. Why do you want join the Grants Advisory Board for Youth? 14. Please review the GABY Member Description and briefly describe why you feel you would be a valuable addition to the team (please focus on the strengths, skills, or personal characteristics that you would bring to the group). 15. Describe something you have done in the past to help your community or a person in need. (This could be anything from participating in a school related community project, helping out at a church event, coordinating club events, planning a community project, a neighborhood clean up, reading to a child, etc. ) 16. We want to know who you are! If you think there is something that makes you unique, please take a moment to share it with us. Feel free to either create something new or share your favorite song, poem, movie, or picture. If you would like us to return your items, please label them with your name and address. Thanks!
RECOMMENDATION FOR APPLICATION FOR GRANTS ADVISORY BOARD FOR YOUTH (GABY) Applicant Name: The above named student is applying to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation Grants Advisory Board for Youth (GABY). GABY promotes community leadership and philanthropy among youth in the Sacramento region. Each year, GABY awards grants to youth led projects created to meet the needs of the diverse communities in our region. This process relies on a committed team of youth and we would greatly appreciate your help in our selection process. Please visit our website at http://gaby.sacregcf.org if you would like more information about the program. Please evaluate this student, particularly in the areas of sensitivity and tolerance, concern for others and community, potential for leadership, energy, and sense of responsibility. Include specific examples if appropriate. Once the Application Process is completed, give back to the application to turn in. If you have any questions, please contact the Sacramento Region Community Foundation at 916 921 7723 or GABY@sacregcf.org. Thank you again for your assistance in our application process. We look forward to receiving your recommendation. This program is made possible through a partnership between the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and Sierra Health Foundation.