The Rotary Club of Great Bend recently demonstrated its commitment to the next generation with a $200 donation to the Youth of Tomorrow club at Great Bend High School. Through Golden Belt Community Foundation’s matching grant initiative, the donation will double to $400, providing students with resources to address local community needs through student-led grantmaking.
Established in March 2026, Youth of Tomorrow was created in response to students expressing a desire to become more connected to their community beyond the walls of their high school. The club provides an opportunity for young people to develop leadership skills, understand philanthropy, assess community needs, and make meaningful decisions about investing in their hometown.
YOT has established an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 in charitable contributions, which would maximize a $10,000 matching grant from Golden Belt Community Foundation. Reaching this goal would provide students with $20,000 to distribute through a grantmaking process they help develop and oversee. Students will identify community needs, evaluate potential projects, and determine where their investments can make the greatest difference.
However, the purpose of Youth of Tomorrow extends well beyond charitable giving.
One of the most significant challenges facing rural Kansas is population retention, particularly among young adults who leave their hometowns to pursue post-secondary education and career opportunities. Through Youth of Tomorrow, students are encouraged to develop meaningful connections with their community while discovering the opportunities and responsibilities that come with community involvement.
By giving students a voice in addressing local challenges, the program seeks to create a greater sense of belonging and pride in their hometown. These relationships and experiences may ultimately encourage students to return to the community after completing their education.
The partnership between Golden Belt Community Foundation, Great Bend High School, Rotary, and other local organizations represents a collaborative approach to addressing this long-term challenge. Rather than simply discussing population retention, these organizations are investing in opportunities that help young people envision their futures in rural Kansas.
The Rotary Club’s donation is an example of how community organizations can make a meaningful difference through collaboration. With the foundation’s matching commitment, each donated dollar has the opportunity to create twice the financial impact.
Youth of Tomorrow represents an investment not only in the needs of our community today but also in the individuals who will lead it tomorrow.
Individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in supporting Youth of Tomorrow and helping the students reach their $10,000 fundraising goal are encouraged to contact Golden Belt Community Foundation.
