Youth Grantmakers

Students spoke at the 2025 Education Equity Summit

Since 2009, Youth Grantmakers (YG) has created a space for young people across the Inland Empire to explore philanthropy, build leadership skills, and direct funding toward issues they care about. Students learn how to assess community needs, evaluate grant proposals, and support local nonprofits doing essential work.

In Spring 2025, students from Riverside, San Bernardino, and Palm Springs came together as part of a newly refreshed format—Youth Grantmakers: The Remix. Each week, they met to learn, listen, and lead. With guidance from IECF staff and local partners, the cohort awarded $70,000 in grants to organizations addressing youth mental health and education equity. These priorities were chosen by the students after thoughtful discussion and firsthand learning about the challenges facing their peers.

Participants also took part in IECF’s Education Equity Summit, engaging in meaningful conversations with educators and advocates. Students shared their experiences, asked hard questions, and helped shape a deeper understanding of how education systems can better support youth across our region.

Throughout the program, students practiced leadership, developed practical skills, and built connections with peers who are equally committed to creating change in their communities.

Although the Spring cohort has wrapped, we’re preparing to welcome new participants in 2025. The next application cycle opens soon for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. We encourage students who are curious about community issues, motivated to lead, and ready to grow to apply.

Watch this page for updates or follow us on Instagram (@youthgrantmakers_ie) to stay connected. For questions about the program, contact Program Manager Denisha Shackelford at dshackelford@iegives.org.

Youth Grantmakers brings young people into conversations that matter—and gives them tools to take action. We look forward to what’s ahead!

Our donors make this work possible!

Your generous support fuels this transformative program. During their academic year training, students survey other students to understand what is important to them, learn about local nonprofits serving youth, undertake service projects, analyze grant applications, debate critical needs, and prioritize worthwhile requests. By investing in Youth Grantmakers, you’re making a long-term difference in the future of our communities. You’re empowering young people to become the civic leaders of tomorrow, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to create lasting change.

Download the PDF to learn more.

Empower the next generation of changemakers.

IECF manages YG programs in Riverside, San Bernardino and the Coachella Valley.

2022 Grantees