Teens for Tomorrow

Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort will open in Spring 2025

Can you be a philanthropist while you're still in high school? We think so.

Teens for Tomorrow (T4T) is a youth philanthropy group for high school students from Rock Island County, Illinois and Scott County, Iowa. These young leaders become philanthropists by learning about community needs, developing a grant opportunity, evaluating applications, making site visits, and awarding grants. Each year, T4T awards at least $10,000 to nonprofits meeting a variety of needs in the Quad City Area.

T4T meets monthly from September to May to learn about community needs and how to become grantmakers. T4T Members develop leadership and communication skills, earn service hours, and get a unique opportunity to make a difference in their community.

Liz loves having that chance. "Sometimes, when teens feel powerless, we don't take the issues in our own community seriously. Why should we try to help if we don't believe we can make a difference? With T4T, we suddenly assume the responsibility of making an impact."

T4T gives many members their first taste of regional thinking, working cooperatively with their peers from other towns and schools. "The group is a great way to meet other teenagers all while doing something good for the community," says Tabi. "It just so happens that teens are the foundation of the future, which is why T4T is around to help us create a bigger, better, and more active community."

Ways to get involved

Get social with us! Like our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with T4T.
Become a T4T member! If you are a high school student in Scott or Rock Island County who is passionate about making your community a better place, you can apply! New T4T members are selected by outgoing members and can serve for up to two years if they reapply for a second term. After that, T4T members can continue to use their skills and knowledge by joining grants committees of the Community Foundation. Apply to join Teens for Tomorrow. Applications are available each year by April 1 and due by June 1. Please note you will be required to create an account through our application system. The account will also allow you to apply for scholarships from the Community Foundation in the future!
Become a T4T mentor! Each year, we need a helping hand developing and running a great program. Interested in volunteering as a T4T mentor? View the role description here and reach out to Kaleigh Trammell to apply.
Help us recruit new members! We’ve put together a flyer and some social media graphics to invite new members to join our program. Download it here.
Give to our fund! By giving to the Teens for Tomorrow Endowment at the Quad Cities Community Foundation, you provide permanent support for T4T members to be leaders in the future – and right now.