The conversation explored how philanthropy becomes stronger when young people are trusted not just to participate in programs, but to help shape where resources flow. Josh shared how the YPF approaches participatory grantmaking by involving young people directly in funding strategy and grantmaking decisions across California.

The Boldest Among Us is not just a phrase. It describes what this present day moment keeps asking for and what the philanthropic and civic sectors say they want. Boldness. Innovation. Courage. Transformation. These words are everywhere. And yet, the people most proximate to the problems are often at best tokenized, rather than trusted with real leadership and investment.

YPF is pleased to announce we’re awarding $1.4 million to 40 youth-led organizations across Northern California, the hiring of our new Head of Strategy and Impact and the kickoff of our Statewide Funder Convening Series in Oakland.

For the past five years, YPF has supported youth-led organizing in the Bay Area and regions across Northern California, all guided by a participatory grantmaking model led by youth organizers. This year, the need intensified, and so has our collective response.