The Changemakers
The Central Texas Community Foundation launched ChangeMakers, inspired by a successful national model, to empower youth through civic engagement, leadership development, and grant-making. The program aims to address the needs and concerns of Central Texas’ youth, offering a fresh perspective directly from young people. Each year, ChangeMakers awards grants to initiatives dedicated to supporting the youth of Central Texas. This impactful program is made possible through the generosity of community supporters, including Wells Fargo Bank, which is proudly funding the program since 2010 with a $10,000 contribution.
Addressing issues affecting youth
Grants are made to programs including but not limited to health and human services, cultural, recreational, and educational activities
ChangeMakers kicks off each year in October by surveying high school students to identify the most pressing issues impacting teens. Once the feedback is collected and priorities are set, the group issues a request for proposals to non-profit organizations, inviting them to share insights about programs or projects that address these identified challenges. The members then carefully evaluate the submissions, selecting the initiatives they believe will have the greatest positive impact on the community and deciding which ones to fund.
ChangeMakers present their grant recommendations to the Board of Governors of the Central Texas Community Foundation for approval, with funds distributed each May during an end-of-year celebration. Beyond grant-making, members actively engage in their community by selecting and completing two hands-on service projects. The Central Texas Community Foundation firmly believes that empowering youth with leadership and fund development skills strengthens communities. Through ChangeMakers, young people are given a unique opportunity to tackle the challenges facing today’s youth and contribute meaningful solutions.
Involving teens in grant-making
The foundation believes that by involving teens in grant-making, they will be more aware of the importance of community activism and will realize the importance of tomorrow’s civic leaders
ChangeMakers is a program designed by youth, for youth, operating with minimal guidance from adult advisers. It empowers young people by sharpening their decision-making skills and creating a platform to address their interests, needs, and challenges. The program also invests in youth-serving initiatives, fostering a culture of philanthropy and volunteerism among its members. Participants earn community service hours for their involvement, with all hours logged through ChangeMakers and given to the students at the end of the year.
Letters of reference
The Foundation offers letters of reference for college admissions or employment upon request, recognizing the active participation of ChangeMakers members. Empowering young people with the tools of philanthropy allows teenagers to contribute meaningfully today while developing into the essential leaders of tomorrow. Successful youth philanthropy programs foster numerous positive outcomes, addressing teens’ need to belong and engage in socially constructive activities alongside their peers. These experiences not only deepen their understanding of their importance to the community but also inspire them to strive for excellence in all areas of life.
Through participation in a representative youth philanthropy board, members gain invaluable skills in collaboration and cultural competence, preparing them to navigate an increasingly diverse society. By integrating community participation into its core, the program emphasizes the value of ownership and decision-making. When youth are given a voice and the power to make choices, they are naturally motivated to become committed, caring contributors to their community.
Young people bring fresh perspectives, leadership skills, and boundless energy to their communities. When given opportunities to apply their talents, they help remove barriers to progress, unlocking tremendous creative and human potential. This synergy strengthens the community and ensures that it continues to grow and thrive.