Forward Turn Grant

Forward Turn was a youth-led grantmaking program established through the S. Murray Rust and Mary H.C. Rust Student Philanthropy Project, a permanently endowed fund held by the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. The program worked in collaboration with the Youth Advisory Council in Loudoun County and was designed to empower young people to participate in philanthropy while supporting projects that benefited communities in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties, Virginia. The grant program supported initiatives that Strengthened Positive Youth Lifestyles, Created United Youth Communities, and Encouraged Community Youth Involvement. Forward Turn placed strong emphasis on youth involvement both in project design and in the grant application process. Although applications could be submitted by adult project leaders, a youth endorsement letter was required with every application. The strongest proposals were those written by youth themselves, featuring youth-led activities or programs with clear benefits for young people. Eligible applicants included faith-based organizations, local nonprofits with valid 501(c)(3) status, schools, and government groups serving Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. The program gave additional consideration to collaborative proposals that engaged multiple stakeholders, including students, community groups, or nonprofits, and that leveraged in-kind contributions, volunteer efforts, or other complementary resources. Funding could be requested in specific amounts ranging from $500 to $1,500, and all awarded funds had to be used within one year of disbursement. Supported projects reflected high community impact, even on a small scale. Examples of past funded concepts included internet safety education, anti-bullying initiatives, mentoring programs, teen pregnancy prevention efforts, environmental protection activities, and programs addressing teen hunger, mental health, and substance use. Applications for the 2025 cycle were required to be submitted through the foundation’s online grants portal by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025. A pre-application workshop was held on December 3, 2024, via Zoom, and required advance registration. Applicants and their youth endorsers also participated in a brief interview with Forward Turn youth grantmakers on one of two scheduled evenings in March 2025. Grants for the 2025 cycle were announced by April 1, 2025, and recipients were given a 12‑month project period to complete their funded initiatives. The Community Foundation continued to share examples of past grantees and provided support resources for applicants. Questions during the cycle were directed to Joanne Trimmer, Director of Grants and Nonprofit Programs, at joanne@communityfoundationlf.org or by phone at 703‑779‑3505, x1.

Youth involvement is highly prioritized; proposals written or endorsed by youth are preferred.