
Teens Active in Grantmaking (TAG) is all about putting the power of philanthropy in the hands of the next generation. We’re here to help young leaders learn the ropes of grantmaking, understand how nonprofits change the world, and discover the incredible opportunities in the world of giving. We like to think of TAG as a backstage pass to making a real impact in the community!
As a Community Foundation program, TAG follows the same core mission: to connect people and resources to inspire philanthropy and create lasting change. But we do it with a fresh, fun, and teen-focused twist!
The Community Foundation offers a special shoutout to the Tracy Family Foundation for their generous support of this program. Let's do this!
What's TAG All About?
✔ Learn how grantmaking works
✔ Make a real impact in the community
✔ Explore the importance of philanthropy
TAG (Teens Active in Grantmaking) is a chance for high school students in Quincy to make real change in their community. From September to May, TAG members meet monthly to explore the world of community leadership, philanthropy, and civic engagement. Through hands-on learning, guest speakers, and team collaboration, members gain a deeper understanding of local issues and how nonprofits make a difference.
Then comes the fun part — putting it all into action. With a real grant budget to manage, TAG members review applications, evaluate community impact, and make the final call on which projects receive funding. It's real money, real responsibility, and real-world experience. Cool, right?
Whether you're passionate about mental health, food access, education, or creating more opportunities for youth, TAG gives you the tools (and trust!) to turn ideas into impact.
Mission
To educate and empower teens to make a difference through grantmaking, philanthropy, and community impact.
Our Core Values
Learn
Gain real-world experience in nonprofit funding and leadership.
Lead
Take charge and learn to be the decision-makers for grants that shape the community.
Give
See the power of generosity firsthand and make a difference.
Grow
Build skills that last a lifetime, from teamwork to budgeting to advocacy.
Inspire
Show others what young changemakers can do!
TAG Student Application Information
If you're a high school student in Quincy and you're all about making your community a better place, TAG might be your next big move. TAG meets once a month on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Applicants should be able to commit to attending these monthly meetings, as well as occasional volunteer and community engagement opportunities throughout the year. Each year, new members are selected by our TAG Advisory Committee.
Ready to apply?
Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort are now closed.
When applications open for a future cohort, you’ll need to create a quick account in our application system and complete the eligibility quiz to start. It's easy, and the same account lets you apply for scholarships through the Community Foundation down the road. Win-win!
2026-2027 TAG Students
Abigail

Abigail is a junior at Quincy Senior High School and serves as Vice President of Teens Active in Grantmaking (TAG). In addition to TAG, she is involved in Beta Club, Key Club, and Debate. Abigail joined TAG because of her interest in her community and her desire to learn more about the grantmaking process and how it can make a positive impact. Outside of school, she enjoys staying active by walking trails and expressing her creativity through crafting. Abigail has a longstanding interest in psychology and sociology and plans to pursue a degree in one of these fields after graduating high school.
Anish

Anish is a junior at Quincy Senior High School, where he's active in Student Council, Tennis, Beta Club, and Science Research Club. Driven by an interest in research, he joined TAG to take an active role in his community. He's passionate about animal welfare and hopes to see more support for local animal shelters; outside of academics, he's an incredibly sharp ping-pong player. After graduating, he plans to continue his education in college.
Arrianna

Arrianna is a senior at Quincy Senior High School who is involved in Beta Club, National Honors Society, Key Club, the Quincy Symphony, and the Quincy Area Youth Orchestra. Some leadership positions that Arrianna holds is being the QHS Concert Orchestra Concertmaster, the Student Council Senior Class President and the QHS Orchestra Council Vice President. She joined TAG to help reach more of the community that she does not have the opportunity to usually interact with and learn the process and work that goes behind grant making and the impact it has. Her future goals is to become a Certified Register Nurse Anesthetist or to go pre-medical in hopes to help heal as many people as she can.
Caroline

Caroline is a senior at Quincy High School who is involved in music, theater, and the arts. She loves learning about biology, and wants to study it during college. She cares about issues in our community like homelessness, that leave some people at a disadvantage.
Catori

Catori is a senior at Quincy Notre Dame who is involved in her school’s tennis team. She has been a member of TAG since it started this past year. With 95+ service hours, she loves volunteering in her community and beyond. She strives to make a change in her community. Her interests include traveling, helping others, and fashion.
Charles

Bio coming soon.
Ellie

Ellie is a homeschooled freshman with a love for creativity, theater, and finding joy in the little things. She enjoys acting and helping backstage with theater productions, as well as crafting, cooking, and spending time at youth group at church. When she’s not busy with her favorite activities, you might find her listening to ’90s music, enjoying all things Mickey Mouse, or adding another vintage sweater to her collection! Ellie joined TAG because she wanted to learn new things, meet new people, and find meaningful ways to help others in her community. She is excited to be part of a group that makes a difference and looks forward to growing, learning, and giving back along the way.
Gloria
Gloria is a homeschooled junior who thrives in the great outdoors, whether she’s hiking a new trail or kayaking on the water. When she isn't busy with the Saint Spirit Squad, the Girl Scouts, or serving her community at Faith Journey Church, you can find her hanging out with her three dogs
Harper H.
Harper H. is a senior at Quincy Notre Dame High School who is a very bright, creative, and highly compassionate young man and consistently brings enthusiasm and a positive attitude to group settings. Demonstrating strong leadership and curiosity, he thrives when engaging with the outdoors and actively exploring nature. When he is not at school or the gym he is either snowboarding in Colorado or hiking trails. He one day hopes to pursue a career in Aerospace Engineering and wants to join the FBI in the future. Harper's warm demeanor, strong character, and natural enthusiasm make him a valuable addition to any team or community program.
Harper L.
Harper L. is a sophomore at Quincy High School who is on the high school soccer team. When he is not playing soccer, he is busy in school and is currently taking Spanish two. He enjoys being with his friends and helping his family with their cattle. He plans on attending college, though is school and major are still undecided.
Kate

Kate is a Sophomore at Quincy Notre Dame who is involved in cross country and choir. She is passionate about art and nature. She decided to join TAG so that she could make a lasting impact on her community. One issue she cares about in her community is people who can’t afford food and basic needs because she feels called to help people who are less fortunate and make sure everyone has access to things they need. Something interesting about her is she loves painting and drawing. She plans to be a therapist in the future.
Ky

Bio coming soon.
Leo

Leo is a junior at Quincy High School who is involved in Beta Club and a member of the boy's tennis team. His hobbies include film making and art. He is excited to be part of TAG for the second year so that he can learn more about philanthropy in our community and contribute to this program.
Lucy

Lucy is a junior at Quincy Senior High School who is actively involved in her church’s youth leadership, the school tennis team, debate team, and service club. She is passionate about sociology and psychology and hopes to pursue these fields in college to better understand people and the communities around her. Lucy joined TAG to expand her knowledge of community involvement and discover meaningful ways to make a positive impact. Through her leadership, extracurricular activities, and academic interests, she strives to make a difference in the lives of others and her community.
Medha

Bio coming soon.
Sam

Sam is a junior at Quincy High School who is very involved in the music department. He plays the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones in various ensembles like the concert band, jazz band, pit orchestra, marching band, and show band. In the future, Sam hopes to get a degree in aerospace engineering in order to design and build rockets that go to space.
Samantha

Samantha s a junior at Quincy Notre Dame High School involved in becoming the co-president of the kindness club and treasurer of the key club. She is passionate about helping those in her community, especially children in need. After high school, Samantha had plans to attend a 4 year university and become a radiology technician. Then, further advance to an ultrasound technician.
Tinsley

Tinsley is a junior at Quincy High School and is involved in Beta Club and theater. She is passionate about her music and her faith and sings at her church. She wants to help ensure meals for those who struggle making means to an end. When she graduates she wants to become a pediatric nurse.
Xavier

Bio coming soon.
Ways to Get Involved
01
Become a TAG Member
We’re the new kids on the (philanthropy) block, and we’re looking for more teens ready to make waves!
02
Become a TAG Mentor
Adults have the opportunity to guide our TAG members as part of our Advisory Committee.
03
Help us Recruit New Members
If you know someone who may be interested in joining this program as a TAG member, let us know! You can also nominate a teen here.
04
Give to our Fund
We believe in this program and the opportunities that will be created through TAG's grants. If you would like to support the success of their grantmaking program, you are invited to give now.
Are you looking to apply for a
TAG grant?
Attention, Quincy, IL-based nonprofits: TAG grant applications for the spring 2027 cycle open February 1, and are due by March 2. Click on the links below for more information, and as always, stay tuned for the latest news by following us on Facebook and Instagram @teensactiveingrantmaking
Nominate a Teen for TAG
We’re looking for passionate, curious, and community-minded high school students to join TAG. If you know a teen who would thrive in a leadership role and wants to help shape the future of their community, nominate them today! Your referral could be the first step in their journey to becoming a changemaker.
For questions, contact us at TAG tag@mycommunityfoundation.org
Thank you for helping us identify young leaders who care about their community!




