YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Youth Advisory Council is comprised of students in grades 9–12 who live
or attend school in Broomfield or the surrounding area.
Broomfield Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Council (or YAC) supports local nonprofits and charitable organizations through fundraising, grant-making and volunteering. Participation provides leadership growth and community building experiences. Applications are accepted each spring and programming occures from August-May.
For more information email: info@broomfieldfoundation.org
What does the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) do?
- Needs Assessment: The YAC is a group of problem solvers who want to make Broomfield a better place. The team undertakes a needs assessment each year to identify problems affecting the community and the resources that could be used to solve them. The needs assessment includes interviews, visits to local organizations, and sessions with guest speakers who lead local nonprofits. Ultimately the assessment guides the funding decisions made by the YAC later in the year.
- Fund Development: The YAC manages a charitable fund designated by the Broomfield Community Foundation. Members grow the youth fund by planning and participating in fundraising efforts including events, corporate sponsorships, and more.
- Grant making: The YAC’s central responsibility is to distribute grants to local nonprofit and charitable organizations. With the guidance of the BCF staff and board, the council develops a grant-making strategy, chooses recipients whose missions inspire and whose efforts impact Broomfield, and awards grants to those organizations.
- Community Service: The YAC regularly participates in service activities to familiarize themselves with the broad range of needs and services provided throughout the Broomfield area.
Youth Advisory Council Invests Local students through $2,000 Grant
Twelve local high school students are demonstrating that philanthropy has no age requirement.
This spring, members of the Broomfield Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) awarded a $2,000 grant to the Five Star Education Foundation to support students and families experiencing food insecurity.
Throughout the school year, YAC members worked together to learn about local challenges, discuss community needs, and raise funds to support causes important to their peers and neighbors.
After evaluating several issues affecting local families, the students selected food insecurity as their focus area. Their efforts culminated in the opportunity to present the grant to Five Star Education Foundation Board Member David Flaherty.
The Youth Advisory Council provides students with hands-on experience in philanthropy, leadership, teamwork, and grantmaking. Participants learn how charitable dollars are invested while developing a deeper understanding of community needs.
The Foundation is proud of these young leaders and their commitment to creating positive change throughout Broomfield.
We value our BUsiness Impact Sponsor:
Youth Advisory Council Brings Fun and Games to Baseline's Bees & Blossoms Festival
2025-2026 Youth Advisory Council members kicked off programming by supporting the Baseline Community Bees & Blossoms Festival August 16th. This is the second year of invovlment and the YAC team organized a range of interactive games engaging community members. It was great creating neighborly fun by bringing participants of all ages to the 'Big Green' field!
Youth Advisory Council Hosts Bounce Back Event Supporting Mental Health
The 2024-2025 YAC hosted Bounce Back, a teen-focused fundraiser at Lafayette Bounce Empire—a massive facility packed with inflatable bounce structures. In addition, local mental health providers connected with the teens through a fun competition. Healty connections were built all evening long.
100% of the event’s profits were directed to grant making to local mental health nonprofits who were announced at the Heart of Broomfield Awards as seen in the photo below.
From start to finish, YAC members led every stage of the cycle: promoting the opportunity, outlining a clear and application process—including a video submission component—responding to applicant questions, evaluating submissions, and making thoughtful, final funding decisions. They also took on the important role of notifying applicants of their outcomes with professionalism and care.
Thanks to their dedication, four organizations have been awarded grants to support local youth mental health initiatives:
These grant recipients are working on the frontlines to support the emotional well-being of our youth, helping them build resilience, access resources, and feel seen and supported.
