Youth Advisory Council.
The St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund’s (CSF) Youth Advisory Council is a youth-led grantmaking council made up of St. Louis County students aged 14-19 years old. The purpose of the Council is to provide a pathway for youth — the ultimate recipients of CSF funding — to inform and guide CSF’s work in meaningful ways, including how funding is distributed and what behavioral health supports youth need. Through a two-year commitment, council members learn about the grantmaking process, making funding recommendations to CSF’s staff and Board of Directors, and build leadership skills by engaging in decision-making activities. The Youth Advisory Council is designed and facilitated in partnership with the Community Health Commission of Missouri.
The inaugural Youth-Led Funding Opportunity, designed by the Youth Advisory Council, is now open for applications! This one-year grant will fund programs that support youth mental health by offering art, recreation, and/or enrichment opportunities for youth in St. Louis County ages 5-18. Applications are due October 23.
Council Member Responsibilities.
In their two-year term, Youth Advisory Council members will:
- Participate in meetings up to two times each month. Meetings will include trainings and facilitated discussions.
- Develop grantmaking processes focused on mental and behavioral health.
- Build leadership skills by participating in decision-making activities.
- Strengthen relationships with peers across St. Louis County.
- Flex advocacy muscles by identifying and assessing youth needs and building avenues for change.
Youth Advisory Council recruitment and facilitation is supported by the Community Health Commission of Missouri. Learn more about how to get involved as a council member or adult Education Champion on their website.
Partnerships & Facilitation.
The Youth Advisory Council was conceived following recommendations from CSF’s Community Advisory Committee to find new and meaningful ways to center youth voice in our work. It was approved for funding by our Board of Directors in 2025. We have partnered with the Community Health Commission of Missouri (CHCM) to co-design and facilitate the Youth Advisory Council. CHCM leads the recruitment of YAC members and Education Champions and facilitates regular meetings. Together, CSF and CHCM support and elevate the voices of Youth Advisory Council members to ensure meaningful contribution to CSF’s grantmaking process.
Learn about other opportunities to get involved with CSF!