Berrien Community Foundation’s T.E.A.M. begins year of philanthropy; seek 8th-11th grade students t

Berrien Community Foundation announces the launch of its 2023-24 cohort of its youth advisory council, Teens Exhibiting Able Minds (T.E.A.M). And they’re looking for more teens who want to have a positive and fun impact in their communities.

T.E.A.M. provides a unique opportunity for students in Berrien County to learn about local nonprofits in a hands-on way, and award funding to projects and programs while making a difference in their communities. T.E.A.M. is a committee of 8th-12th graders who awards about $50,000 a year in grants to programs and projects serving youth through education, after-school programs, youth empowerment and more.

“T.E.A.M. helps our young people develop leadership skills and learn how to make change, which helps us build a stronger and more caring community in the long run,” said BCF Program Director Susan Matheny.

In addition to grantmaking, T.E.A.M. visits local nonprofits to learn about their philanthropic impact on the community. They also plan and execute service projects and youth leadership opportunities for the county.

Since its inception, T.E.A.M. has awarded over $1 million in grants to support programs and projects serving youth in Berrien County. Established in the 1990s, T.E.A.M. was formed as a result of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Youth Challenge for Community Foundations, which sought to grow youth endowment funds and engage more young people in philanthropy. Members of T.E.A.M. participate in service projects, review grant applications and make funding recommendation to BCF’s Board of Directors for youth programming.

Although T.E.A.M.’s current year of service has started, recruitment is still open as the group aims to expand. T.E.A.M. is seeking 8th-11th grade students who are interested in making an impact in their community. To learn more or apply, visit www.berriencommunity.org/team.

The 2023-24 cohort of T.E.A.M. members include Lauren Laws (vice chair) and Amara Olexa, both of Watervliet High School.