Bettendorf, Iowa –Teens for Tomorrow, a youth program that enables high school students to lead and support change through philanthropy, awarded six local organizations a total of $6,000.

Grants were awarded to each of the following:

• Arrowhead Ranch - $500
• Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley - $1,000
• Churches United of the Quad City Area - $2,000
• Family Resources - $1,000
• Friendly House - $500
• Humility of Mary Housing, Inc. - $1,000

Teens for Tomorrow, a program of the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, has given Quad-City teens real-life experience in evaluating and distributing charitable grants since 2002. T4T was designed to inspire and empower young people to make a difference, to utilize their energy and insight, and to provide real-life experiences in philanthropy.

“Teens for Tomorrow is a proactive group which not only elicits positive change, but advocates for a better tomorrow,” says Amanda Phan, T4T Alum. “I have learned through this unique experience that youth have a voice and we can positively change the course of tomorrow.”

During the nine-month program, selected area teens implemented a grant application process.  They assessed community needs, performed on-site visits to local non-profits, and attended sessions on leadership, values, decision-making, philanthropy, and volunteering.  The Teens’ Youth Board then awarded grants to area nonprofit organizations. The Community Foundation funded the grants through its Community Impact Fund.

For more information about Teens for Tomorrow, click here, or contact Matt Mendenhall, Community Foundation Vice President of Programs, at 563-326-2840 or mattmendenhall@cfgrb.org.