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 SURF (Students Understanding Real Futures) Board.
The 2016-2017 Board
Back Row: Tyler Zickmund, Katie Hines, Mikhail Harris, Ben Marklin, Justin Boardwine, Maddie Taylor Second Row: Noah Etter, David Morton, Jonathan Foster, Parker Prysiazniuk, Salem Cartner, Grace Nixon, Laura Cain, Ben Foster, Lauralynn Ellis Front Row: Emery Rosenbaum, Evan Steele, Lillli Haire, Abby Boger, Cassi Shires Center: George Haire
The 2017-2018 SURF Board Application is now available. Click here to apply
What is the SURF Board?
The 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.
How does it work?
Members meet 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.