ROCHELLE — A dozen students have been meeting monthly at Rochelle Township High School at the behest of the Rochelle Area Community Foundation.  The mission is to enable students to serve the community while shaping them as tomorrow’s leaders.
In its inaugural year, the RACF Youth in Philanthropy program brings together juniors and seniors learn to about the nonprofit sector while also learning how to be a part of a giving team.  This opportunity raises awareness of community philanthropy. It also helps members learn to assess and prioritize needs and  requests for funding.
The YIP grant application period is Feb. 22 through March 22.
“This year the distribution amount from the endowment from the YIP fund is $1,000 and we invite 501C3 not-for-profit organizations within the high school district boundaries that are focused on youth to apply,” Maddie Ohlinger said.
The application period is Feb. 22 through March 22. She said her committee will meet to read and assess the grant applications before determining how to distribute the YIP funds.
“Like the Rochelle Area Community Foundation has grown through the development of endowed funds from its beginning, our committee would like to see the YIP fund grow,” Ohlinger said. “Anyone can help us grow the fund by directing contributions through RACF specifically for YIP.”

Contributions can be made through the Foundation’s website at www.rochellefoundation.org, or by mail to: RACF, P.O. Box 74, Rochelle, IL 61068.
Members of the 2020 YIP Committee include Ohlinger, Vice-Chair Ben Harvey, Alex Davila, Cara Forsberg, Maggie Duval, Alexis Sanford, Katie Van Hise, Trevor Goodwin, Josh Hurtado, Megan Thiravong and Morgan Schabacker. RTHS guidance counselor and RACF board member Mike Dale oversees the YIP committee.
Ohlinger said the committee is a very good mix of RTHS students active in a variety of academic, extra-curricular and service-oriented programs.
“If your organization meets our criteria, we invite you to apply for a grant,” she said.
RACF Youth in Philanthropy criteria:
Be a 501C3 non-profit serving youth within the boundaries of the RTHS district;
NFP benefiting youth 18 years or younger within the RTHS district;
If it maintains accountability via a clear set of goals, respecting equal opportunity and proposing a realistic budget;
And if it seeks meaningful and measurable results
Applications will be posted on the RACF website: http://rochellefoundation.org/ during the application window: Feb. 22 through March 22. Questions may be addressed to Mike Dale at mdale@rthsd212.org or to RACF Director Kim Montgomery by calling 815-561-3600 or by e-mail at kim@rochellefoundation.org.