Youth as Resources
“Our mission is to encourage youth leadership and involvement by providing funding for youth-initiated, youth-led service projects that address community needs.”
Youth as Resources is a service of United Way 
of Central Minnesota that encourages youth leadership and involvementby providing funding for youth-initiated, youth-led service projects that creatively address community needs through volunteer projects.
Youth as Resources offers grants up to $1,000 for youth ages 5-21 who want to make a difference in their community. Youth and adults serve together on this volunteer decision making board that allocates $15,000 worth of funds each year to youth-initiated, youth-led community projects. The board meets monthy to review proposals and discuss how projects will help the community.
View a volunteer profile from a former YAR board member!
Creative youth-led funded projects:
The projects funded by Youth as Resources cover a wide range of issues and ages. Some project ideas include:
- Updating playground equipment to allow children and adults with disabilities to enjoy an outdoor play structure.
- Making welcome baskets for new moms at New Beginnings.
- Planning an event for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to interact with a Santa that was able to communicate with them through sign language.
- Social Justice Conference for Youth offering workshops for youth on issues such as homelessness, discrimination, and poverty that teach practical ways they can be involved to make a positive impact in their community.
- Organizing high school students to mentor elementary students, providing a positive role model.
- Hosting a cultural fair or celebration at school to promote inclusion.
- Making bears and providing a story of healing to give to students experiencing the loss of a loved one.
- Creating a teen room at Boys & Girls Club to give older youth space of their own and provide a sense of unity and belonging.
- Making gift baskets for nursing home residents.
Youth as Resources Benefits:
Youth gain . . .
- Leadership, planning, team work, and other life skills
- A sense of connection and responsibility to the community
- Power to effect personal change and improve the lives of others
Communities gain . . .
- Resources and creativity to solve serious problems and provide needed community services
- A local population more knowledgeable and invested in youth and the community
YAR Funders:
Initiative Foundation (a regional foundation); Central Minnesota Community Foundation; Antioch Foundation; Otto Bremer Foundation; Gray Plant Mooty; St. Cloud Granite Rotary; St. Cloud Jaycees; St. Cloud Lions; Rockville Lions; St. Cloud Optimist; Westside Sertoma; Downtown Kiwanis; Sunrise Kiwanis; and United Way of Central Minnesota.
How do I get funding?
Apply today! For more information on funding criteria download the application or call 320.252.0227 or email yarinfo@unitedwayhelps.org
**Youth as Resources Application for Funding
Marv Faber Youth Volunteer Award
United Way of Central Minnesota will be awarding the 2007 Marv Faber Volunteer Award on April 17, 2008 at the annual celebration. This award is presented annually to an exemplary youth up to age 21 for outstanding commitment to volunteerism in Central Minnesota. Nominations are for the 2007 award are now being accepted. Please fill out the nomination form and mail it back to United Way.
This award began in 1991 to honor Marv Faber, a dedicated volunteer with United Way, St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud Area Chamber, and much more. Marv Faber always made time for people and treated everyone the same - with consideration, decency and respect. He believed in youth and their contributions as volunteers to their communities.
The award recipient will be selected based on her/his leadership qualities, commitment, initiative, and the impact and quality of her/his work in the community and personally. The selection committee is composed of board members from United Way Youth as Resources. Youth as Resources is a decision-making board composed of 4 adults and 9 youth. The board builds youth leadership and allocates funds to youth led; youth-initiated projects that address community needs.