Everyone is invited to sponsor YIP. There is nothing to buy. The entire amount of your gift to the YIP Annual Grants fund is used for grant awards to vital community projects steered by student decision. If you choose to give to the YIP Endowment Fund your donation is invested and a portion of the fund proceeds are used each year to support the annual grant process. *Your gift to this fund is also eligible for the state of Iowa 25% state tax credit.
The Okoboji Foundation sought to cultivate the philanthropic spirit in local young people, so the Youth In Philanthropy program started in 2009. The YIP program’s goal is to educate area students about the importance of meeting the needs of their community.
Youth In Philanthropy teaches the skills needed to assess community needs, solicit donations and evaluate grant requests to create the stories that serve as the foundation of their community’s history. Each year, students in 9th-12th grades from Lake Park, Okoboji, and Spirit Lake high schools are encouraged to apply to the program. Thirty students are chosen and they meet regularly from October through May.
Applications are available August 1st – September 10th.
- Nurture a cohesive, enthusiastic network of youth who are inspired to serve their community.
- Provide a learning environment in which youth seek community donations in support of their community.
- Entrust youth with legitimate authority to decide and direct the future of their community through grant-making decisions.
- Engage youth immediately as active citizens.
First Row L-R: Riley Meyer, Karna Droegmiller, Nora Conover, Ada Conover, Gemma Tamisiea, Jada Vander Wolde, Sydney Rahe, Luka Martin, Reece Logan, Addison Munson, Summer Stoller
Second Row L-R: Elah Brouwer, Ella Kasperbauer, Bethany Frostestad, Peyton Bosch, Cadence Carlson, Isla Nelson, Cecelia Harris, Anabel Sinz, Elanor Sinz, Anthea Leupold, Norah Danbom
Third Row L-R: Cruz Nitchals, Ethan Weston, Calan Peters, Dexter Peters, Trey Vander Pol, Jacob Neuharth, Colton Johnson, Wesley Evans, Asher Wipperfurth, Cruz Naatjes, Cole Donnenwerth, Beckett Rahe
The YIP Scholarship fund has been established to support two $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors that have participated in at least one year of YIP. This scholarship will be scored on program participation as it relates to effort put forth and outreach to the community. If you would like to support this effort please consider a gift to our YIP Scholarship fund.
$20,000 – Dickinson County Historical Society & Museum
Accessibility Project
$20,000 – VFW Spirit Lake
Auxiliary Kitchen Remodel
$18,500 – Pearson Lakes Art Center
Performing Arts Theatre Upgrades
$9,689 – City of Orleans
Beach Avenue Access Improvement
$9,000 – Lakes Area Senior Citizens
Dining Room Upgrade
$7,273 – Twin Forks Trap & Skeet Club
Clubhouse Project