Youth Commissions

South Madison and Lapel Community Youth Commission

The South Madison Community Foundation works to educate and involve high school and middle school students from the South Madison area in philanthropy programs and community service. Students in the Pendleton school district participate in the South Madison Youth Commission (SMYC) and Lapel school students can join the Lapel Community Youth Commission (LCYC).

Recognizing that community leadership is found throughout the youth population, the Foundation began the process by assembling a diverse group of young people. SMYC was founded in late 2002 through the establishment of a fund set aside with Community Endowment funds. LCYC was started in early 2005 through the generosity of Peg Roudebush and a fund created by her. Youth Commission members are selected through an application and interview process.

Download Lapel Community Youth Commission application
Download South Madison Youth Commission application

The South Madison Community Foundation takes a limited role in the governance of the Youth Commissions. Its role is to support servant leadership, allowing the Youth Commission members to set and attain goals through their own philanthropy programs.

The South Madison Community Foundation realizes that Youth Commissions have a positive impact on our community. Successful youth philanthropy programs increase volunteerism, highlight community needs, develop youth into community leaders, and educate young people on their importance to the community. Membership in the Youth Commission introduces the concept of philanthropy to our youth and challenges them to become valuable community members—now and in the future.

After hosting fundraising events in their local communities, the Youth Commissions conduct a grant cycle with applications due February 1st of each year. Not-for-profit or tax supported organizations are eligible to apply for grants that range from $500-$1000 in awards. Download a grant application here.