2024 YES! Fund Grants
The YES! Fund, which stands for Youth Empowerment for Success, has been a cornerstone in Manhattan for over two decades, empowering youth through various enriching programs. Established in 1993 after a committee found that many local youth felt disengaged and eager to leave the community, the fund was created to foster opportunities that align with their needs, helping them build stronger connections, achieve academic success, and feel a sense of belonging. Administered by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, the fund has become a critical resource for after-school programs, focusing on improving attendance, goal-setting, and relationships with teachers. In 2024, the YES! Fund continues its mission by supporting initiatives that bridge gaps in education and extracurricular activities, empowering local youth to thrive in and out of the classroom. Every donation made to the YES! Fund is matched dollar for dollar by generous donors, including Russ Briggs/Briggs Auto Group, The Master Teacher, The Deihl Fund, GMCF Goldstein Community Fund, Howe Family Foundation, 1988 Jack Goldstein Charitable Trust, KS StateBank, Edward & Karen Seaton Foundation, Ward and Brenda Morgan, and the Memorial Hospital Foundation. In total, the YES! Fund granted $236,815 to Manhattan area nonprofit and charitable youth projects.