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The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa's Teen Trust program began in 1994 and is a model for youth philanthropy. A diverse group of students from area high schools has $15,000 to grant to nonprofit organizations serving Black Hawk County. Using a grant application system, site visits, and training seminars, the Trustees work as a team to decide which organizations to assist through financial aid and volunteerism. Read reflections from former Trustees.

The Teen Trust application process is now closed for the 2024-2025 season.

Teen Trust Members 2023-2024

2023-2024 Trustees

Grants

Teen Trust was created with a vision in mind -- to prepare youth to be "trustees of their community." At the heart of becoming a trustee means finding a way for youth to learn about and also actively practice philanthropy. To that end, the mission by which the Teen Trust program operates is: To provide youth an opportunity to develop philanthropic behaviors, leadership and stewardship skills, and volunteer experiences.

Learn about Teen Trust grants

Project Goals

  • Nurture a cohesive, enthusiastic network of youth who are inspired to share their gifts of service with others.
  • Provide a learning environment in which youth are primarily responsible for the allocation of funds to support projects addressing community issues.
  • Promote innovative, practical solutions to community problems through youth as project developers.
  • Entrust youth with legitimate authority to decide and direct the future of their community.
  • Engage youth immediately as community trustees, acknowledging that they are currently active citizens, not just leaders of the future.

Accomplishments

  • More than $320,000 in grants to support local charitable projects since Teen Trust's inception.
  • Over 700 local students trained in philanthropy and trusteeship.
  • National recognition by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as one of the most important grants they've made in their 75-year history (www.wkkf.org).
  • Countless lives changed.