YEP STL!

YEP STL! members work together as a team to give grant money to youth charities. We work with mentors who show us how the process works. We develop a grant application and charities apply for grant money. Then we review their applications, and decide which charities we think should get funds, and how much.

We’re not giving our own money away, but you are always welcome to donate if you wish! First Bank is the presenting sponsor for the YEP STL! program, and provides the funding. YouthBridge Community Foundation will serve as a mentor and advisor to the students participating in the program.

The goal of the program is for students to see what needs there are in our community, what charities are doing to address those needs, and make decisions about how grant money should be given, so that it does the most good.

YEP STL! is for youth by youth – so all of our grants will be to charities that help youth. Here are some examples:

• Educational organizations
• Youth summer camps
• Boys and girls clubs
• Faith-based organizations
• Athletic organizations
• Reading programs
• Art programs

Once you’re accepted into the program, you’ll meet once a month with the whole team and our mentors. We’ll review the grant applications, and discuss to decide how to distribute the grant money, and present it to the charities. There is also the possibility for community service projects, which are always fun!