Teens for Tomorrow
Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort are open now!
Can you be a philanthropist while you're still in high school? We think so.
Teens for Tomorrow is a youth philanthropy group for high school students from Rock Island County, Illinois and Scott County, Iowa. These young leaders become philanthropists by learning about community needs, developing a grant opportunity, evaluating applications, making site visits, and awarding grants. Each year, Teens for Tomorrow awards at least $10,000 to nonprofits addressing a variety of needs in the Quad City Area.
Teens for Tomorrow meets monthly from September to May to learn about community needs and how to become grantmakers. Members develop leadership and communication skills, earn service hours, and gain a unique opportunity to make a difference in their community.
““Teens for Tomorrow showed me that even when the challenges in our community feel overwhelming, young people can make a real impact locally. By working with people from different backgrounds and perspectives, we’re able to turn those small efforts into something meaningful together.” ”
Ways to get involved
Get social with us! Follow us on Instagram to keep up with Teens for Tomorrow.
Become a Teens for Tomorrow member! If you are a high school student in Scott or Rock Island County who is passionate about making your community a better place, you can apply! New Teens for Tomorrow members are selected by outgoing members and can serve for up to two years if they reapply for a second term. After that, members can continue to use their skills and knowledge by joining grants committees of the Community Foundation. Apply to join Teens for Tomorrow. Applications are available each year by April 22 and due by September 1. Please note that you will be required to create an account through our application system. The account will also allow you to apply for scholarships from the Community Foundation in the future!
Become a Teens for Tomorrow mentor! Each year, we need a helping hand developing and running a great program. Interested in volunteering as a mentor? View the role description here and reach out to Ann Berger to apply.
Help us recruit new members! We’ve put together a flyer and some social media graphics to invite new members to join our program. Download it here.
Give to our fund! By giving to the Teens for Tomorrow Endowment at the Quad Cities Community Foundation, you provide permanent support for Teens for Tomorrow members to be leaders in the future – and right now.
Are you a nonprofit looking to apply for a grant?
Visit our Teens for Tomorrow Grant page to learn how you can apply for a grant from the students participating in this program.
