Uplift Our Youth Foundation Continues a Legacy of Investing in Greater Lansing's Next Generation

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For more than two decades, the Uplift Our Youth Foundation has remained committed to one simple but powerful belief: when young people are given opportunities to succeed, entire communities flourish.

Founded in 2002 by the late Larry Leatherwood, the Greater Lansing-based nonprofit has become one of the region's enduring champions for youth development. Leatherwood envisioned an organization that would not only provide financial assistance to youth-serving organizations but also inspire a culture of leadership, service, and community responsibility among the next generation. Although he is no longer with us, his vision continues to guide the foundation's work and serves as a lasting testament to his dedication to the young people of Mid-Michigan.

Serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties primarily, the Uplift Our Youth Foundation has awarded more than $275,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, and community agencies dedicated to improving the lives of local youth. Those investments have supported educational enrichment, leadership development, mentoring, health and wellness initiatives, arts programming, and community engagement opportunities that help young people realize their full potential.

Rather than simply funding programs, the foundation invests in lasting change. Its leaders understand that strengthening youth today creates stronger families, neighborhoods, and communities tomorrow. By partnering with organizations that share its mission, the foundation helps ensure young people have access to resources, encouragement, and opportunities that inspire confidence, resilience, and lifelong success.

In addition to its grantmaking efforts, Uplift Our Youth Foundation actively brings the community together through fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and strategic partnerships that celebrate youth achievement and encourage civic engagement. The organization's work reflects the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their gifts, pursue their dreams, and become a positive force within their community.

The foundation is also dedicated to recognizing outstanding high school students throughout the Greater Lansing area who demonstrate academic excellence, meaningful community involvement, leadership, and artistic achievement. Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving students whose accomplishments exemplify the values of service, perseverance, and excellence.

This year, the foundation will host its 24th Annual Grants Award and Fundraising Dinner on September 17 at The Venue by Eleven 11 Events. The evening will celebrate the organizations and individuals helping shape brighter futures while raising funds to continue the foundation's mission for years to come.

Grant applications are currently being accepted through August 5 and are available exclusively to youth-serving organizations located within the Tri-County area. Sponsorship opportunities and event tickets are also available.

As the foundation continues to grow, so too does the legacy of Larry Leatherwood—a legacy built on compassion, service, and an unwavering belief in the promise of young people. More than twenty years after its founding, Uplift Our Youth Foundation remains a beacon of hope, proving that investing in youth is one of the greatest investments a community can make.

For sponsorship information, grant applications, or tickets to the annual fundraising dinner, visit www.upliftouryouthfoundation.org.