We’re highlighting our amazing Community Grant Readers to learn what inspired them to serve the community and help YCCF review grant applications.
Meet, Chris Velez, an Audio Engineer and YCP graduate. Discover why he chose to become a community grant reader with YCCF.
How did you learn about this volunteer opportunity?
While working on production for a YCCF event, one of the staff members asked if I would be interested.
What do you like best about being a community grant reader?
The ability to directly impact the community is why I got involved. I enjoy knowing that the work we do directly affects the community in which I live and care deeply about. I love seeing the direct impact of the grants and knowing they can change the trajectory of organizations and lives.
Which causes are you most passionate about?
York City and its residents, most importantly our youth. Making sure that all people are represented, have a seat at the tables that will impact the most lives, and making York a better and safer place than what we were given.
Which grant was the most impactful for you, and why?
Honestly, all of the community grants are impactful. They reach people on a grassroots level that wasn’t as accessible in the past.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am always looking to try new things. Since my professional career started, I have learned to write, adapt, and direct plays, write music, also design lights and sound for shows. This year I’m participating in the Greater York Dance and Midstate Ballet’s Nutcracker performance at the Appell Center (I am not and have never been a dancer). Definitely something I never thought I would do, but I’m up for the challenge. Also, I really enjoy jumping out of perfectly fine airplanes (love skydiving).
If you would like more information about becoming a community grant reader, please visit
our website: https://yccf.org/grant-reader-application/
Or, email Roth Preap, Grants Program Officer at: rpreap@yccf.org
