YC2 is a youth philanthropy program offered to juniors and seniors from Hinsdale Central High School, Lyons Township High School, Nazareth Academy, and Riverside Brookfield High School. Curricula encourages students to explore our local community and its social needs; learn about philanthropic theory; and engage in organizational evaluation and grantmaking.
The YC2 program is currently seeking grant proposals for general operating support from Community Memorial Foundation grantee organizations. Students are divided into two cohorts, and will conduct site visits to evaluate grant requests. They will award up to $30,000 ($15,000 per cohort) to further the mission and vision of Community Memorial Foundation.
Grantee organizations must select one funding cohort to whom they want to apply (Cohort A or Cohort B). Organizations cannot submit to both cohorts.
• Funding Cohort A has identified the following CMF funding priority for this grant opportunity: Increase health equity by reducing the health, social and economic barriers to optimal well-being and quality of life, specifically the ability to pay.
• Funding Cohort B has identified the following CMF funding priority for this grant opportunity: Address the effect of poverty on health by providing for basic needs such as access to nutritious food and homelessness prevention, specifically programs that also promote self-sufficiency.
Any CMF grantee organization that addresses these priorities is welcome to apply for funding.
Grant applications are due to the Foundation by 5:00 PM CST on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Questions?