Davie Community Foundation focuses its unrestricted dollars on youth in several ways; one of these is by sponsoring a youth grant-making board called the S.U.R.F. (Students Understanding Real Futures) Board.
The S.U.R.F. Board is a group of high school students who raise money and award grants to youth-led projects in Davie County. This is an opportunity for young people to learn about philanthropy; giving of their time, talents, and treasures to make life better for others. Board members learn about needs in the community, the responsibilities that go along with giving, as well as important leadership skills that will serve them well into adulthood. In 2021 S.U.R.F. granted $4,030 for three projects.
2021-2022 S.U.R.F. Board
Bottom left: Elliot Newsome; Whitney Deloach; Mya McGowen; Keelyn Oakes; Amber Lynde; Ellie Addison Middle left: Kyndall Correll, Sadie Link, Mia Clair Myers, Tatum Childress, Stephanie Bueno, Madi Rogers, McKenna Groff, Mary Cain Back left: Roxy Barney, Avery Yount, Morgan Creason, Louis Pope, Dylan Hanes, Silas Marion, Ashley Tatum, Brooklyn Lakey Not pictured: Caroline Lakey, Bonnie Jo Taylor
The S.U.R.F. Board meets each summer for a team building retreat to get to know new members and develop a trusting relationship with each other. SURF meets monthly following the retreat.
In the fall, SURF joins youth grant makers from all over the state at a Youth Giving Summit. The board spends the day learning and growing together with other youth.
The Board releases a request for proposals (RFP) for youth-led projects in the fall. This is an application for groups who wish to receive grants. The groups that apply for grants are school clubs and organizations, church youth groups, and other groups of youth who want to serve but need funding to make it happen.
In the winter, SURF makes grant decisions. They exercise good stewardship in the granting of funds and perform regular follow-ups to see that grants are successful.