As March ushers in daylight saving time, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, March Madness, and the long-awaited arrival of spring, a new initiative is taking root in Great Bend, one that promises lasting renewal for the community.

The Golden Belt Community Foundation, in partnership with Great Bend High School, has launched a Youth Philanthropic Club (YPC), giving students the opportunity to take an active role in shaping their community’s future. Designed to operate like a miniature charitable foundation within the school, the club empowers students to identify community needs, raise funds, and award grants to local nonprofit organizations.

Through the program, students will connect with community members and organizations to better understand local challenges and opportunities. As they raise funds, the Golden Belt Community Foundation will match donations dollar-for-dollar, maximizing the club’s impact. Students will manage the grant process themselves, from setting timelines and reviewing applications to selecting grant recipients.

Foundation leaders say the program aims to do more than provide financial support. It is designed to foster meaningful connections between youth and their hometown.

“By building relationships and engaging directly with community needs, students develop a stronger sense of purpose and belonging,” organizers said. “We hope this experience inspires them to remain in or return to our community in the future.”

The club is open to any student interested in making a difference. Currently, four Great Bend High School students led by Slade, Eli, Jimena, and Alex, along with teacher sponsor Luke, are leading the effort to establish the school’s first YPC chapter.

The initiative comes at a time when many graduating seniors are preparing for their next educational steps, often supported by scholarships funded through legacy gifts from longtime community members. These donors invested in students with the hope that their education and skills would one day benefit the community. However, many young people leave after completing their education and do not return.

With support from the Patterson Family Foundation, the Golden Belt Community Foundation hopes the Youth Philanthropic Club will help reverse that trend by encouraging students to engage locally and see themselves as part of the community’s long-term future.

As the club grows, members plan to meet with local businesses, civic groups, and service organizations to gather input and share their mission. Community members and businesses interested in supporting the club or partnering with student philanthropists are encouraged to contact the Golden Belt Community Foundation.

The foundation also plans to expand the program to schools throughout Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties, including private and homeschool students.

For more information on how to initiate a club in your school or to support the Youth Philanthropic Club, contact the Golden Belt Community Foundation at 620-792-3000 and ask for Jason.

Jason Murray is the executive director of the Golden Belt Community Foundation.