DEARBORN — A group of young philanthropists recently handed out $1,000 grants to five local charities who influence the youth in their communities. 

The Teen Grantmaking Initiative (TGI) carefully chose which organizations would receive the money collected through fundraising over nine months. Also, during that time, the group studied the necessities of the region and visited the organizations to learn about them. 

This year’s winners offer a range of activities and services to the community. 

Detroit Food Academy is an after-school program for students to learn how to plan their own meals and discuss the food problems of their community. Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation preserves and builds the Grandmont Rosedale Neighborhoods to improve the area. Arts and Scraps is an organization built on recycling a variety of products for people to create new art work. Starfish Family Services helps families and children though workshops and mentoring. The last organization is HYPE Athletics, which offers after-school tutoring and counseling for the youth, as well as a chance to compete in different sports. 

These grants mean a lot the charities but they mean even more to the TGI members. 

“The most important idea I took away from TGI is that you really have to start from your local community to make a lasting change throughout the world,” Member, Fatima Al-Hakim said in a press release.