Teens for Tomorrow, or T4T, is a program that allows high school students to learn about philanthropy by researching nonprofit organizations and by making grant decisions. T4T members award a total of $10,000 in grants to area nonprofits each year.

T4T is comprised of 9th-12th grade students from high schools throughout Rock Island County, Ill, and Scott County, Iowa. Students meet once a month from September to June to identify community needs and address emerging issues. They distribute annual grants after evaluating grant requests and learning various agencies’ missions.

The premise of T4T is to not only teach young adults in our community about the role nonprofits play, but to also teach them how to read and evaluate grant applications, and how to make educated funding decisions.

“After we review all of the grant applications, we look at the number of individuals a project will reach and if our money will fill a gap,” said Sarah Bitting, T4T participant. “Although our opinions differed when it comes down to awarding grants, we are always able to make decisions that I believe, represent the ideals of our program.”

The Student Director of T4T is Brady Frieden, a junior at St. Ambrose University (photo at left). Brady was a member of T4T in high school, took some time off when he began college, and returned to serve as Student Director. Listen to an audio interview of Brady by clicking here.

Become a Member of T4T

Become a member of T4T, download the application by clicking here or call 563-326-2840 for more information.

Apply for a Grant from T4T

Youth philanthropy programs similar to T4T have come together across the State of Iowa to form the Youth Philanthropy Network, overseen by the Iowa Council of Foundations (ICoF). ICoF interviewed students and adults whose lives have been touched by youth philanthropy. To learn more, visit iowayouthphilanthropy.org.