Programs > Info & Volunteer Centre > Volunteers are Stars Awards > The Richmond Youth Foundation

The Richmond Youth Foundation works to engage Richmond high school students in the development of youth leadership, and strives to create an awareness of youth’s ability to participate in community philanthropy.

In the past year, the group has granted $3800 to organizations such as the Richmond Society for Community Living, the Richmond Art Gallery Association, and Financial Literacy for Youth. The money is put toward projects that benefit youth, and comes from the group’s own endowment fund, which it builds through fundraising efforts and donated capital.

At its annual Zenith in Action event, the group encourages youth to submit project proposals for community initiatives. Three finalists are awarded grants to fund their ideas, and participants on the winning team each receive a scholarship.

One example of a Zenith in Action project the group funded was a student-run community garden. Once harvested, the crops – which included potatoes, zucchini, and carrots – were donated to the Food Bank.

Group members are active in public outreach, having volunteered at events ranging from the Rosewood Manor Garden Party to the Steveston Salmon Festival to the Richmond Community Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament. They also speak regularly at Richmond high schools, providing youth with information on the community granting process. 

The Richmond Youth Foundation has shown that you’re never too young to make a difference in your community, and that youth are an endless source of ideas and inspiration.