At your Community Foundation of White County, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of philanthropists. One way we accomplish this is through our Youth Philanthropy Council, a youth organization bringing grantmaking into our school communities. Meet Taylor Burns, a passionate member of the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC) and a senior at Twin Lakes High School.
The Youth Philanthropy Council at the community foundation serves as a dynamic platform for students like Taylor to channel their passion for making a positive difference in the world around them. Through YPC, they gain valuable insights into the needs of the community and learn how to effectively contribute to its betterment.
In its inaugural year, Taylor joined the YPC and served as the Twin Lakes Project Manager. Project Managers are responsible for leading their localized grant efforts, including tracking the marketing of grant applications, processing grant requests to the team, and coordinating site visits. In her second year, Taylor joined the Planning Committee to help with development and event planning.
Taylor shared, "My favorite thing about the YPC is that it enables the youth of our communities to make a difference while gaining experience on grant making."
As a youth leader in White County, Taylor aims to inspire a giving attitude within her community through the grants provided by the YPC. She envisions a future where the community comes together to support various causes, and through the YPC, she sees this vision becoming a reality.
One particular grant has captured Taylor’s excitement—the Snack Shack grant for Twin Lakes. The Snack Shack is a program housed under the Special Education Department, empowering young people through the sales and distribution of snacks throughout the school. Having witnessed the impact of the Snack Shack program at Twin Lakes firsthand, Taylor is thrilled that a YPC grant allows the program to continue its invaluable work.
Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Taylor is a dedicated and creative student leader. She serves as dance caption for Twin Lakes’ competitive show choir, Soundwave. She participates in musicals and plays, and serves on student council and REMC’s junior board of directors.
In her limited free time, Taylor enjoys hanging out with friends, singing and dancing to music, and exploring new places. However, her true passion lies in her faith. As a devout Christian, she appreciates how the YPC allows her to live generously and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Taylor’s imprint on the YPC is a lasting one. “I am so glad to be a part of the YPC since its founding. I feel like I’ve grown with this council a lot, and I can’t wait to see what it will become.”
Taylor is indeed a shining example of how youth can be powerful catalysts for change, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to making a difference in the community.