Youth Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in West Alabama to address critical community needs in areas such as arts, education, health, and social welfare through innovative and collaborative projects.

The Jackson County Community Foundation is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations that serve the local community within Jackson County, North Carolina. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address a broad range of local needs, supporting essential services and development within the community. The grants are intended to foster local initiatives that improve the well-being of residents and strengthen community infrastructure across various sectors. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse, encompassing individuals and groups benefiting from human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts programs. The impact goals are to meet a wide array of community needs, providing support to vulnerable populations, enhancing educational opportunities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and enriching cultural experiences. The foundation prioritizes organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities, local governments (including public schools), fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach programs. The program focuses on funding initiatives that provide tangible benefits to the community-at-large, with a particular emphasis on services that are accessible and non-discriminatory. Expected outcomes include improved access to essential services, enhanced community programs, and a strengthened local support network. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the range of grants, the implied results are the successful implementation of programs in the areas of human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The Jackson County Community Foundation's strategic priorities are to address local needs comprehensively through community-focused grantmaking. Their theory of change appears to be that by funding a diverse range of charitable organizations and public service entities, they can collectively create a more resilient, educated, healthy, and culturally vibrant community. The grant size typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, indicating a focus on supporting numerous local projects rather than a few large-scale initiatives.

Firearm violence has deeply harmed neighborhoods, communities, and the entire State of Illinois, both through the immediate loss of life and the long-term, harmful effects of trauma experienced by victims, witnesses, and community members. As one of its multiple funding efforts to reduce firearm violence in the most heavily impacted communities across Illinois, the IDHS-Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) is seeking to fund youth development organizations in specific community areas across Illinois that will provide structured and unstructured programming to community youth. These programs are meant to serve youth who are the highest risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of firearm violence and should utilize evidence-informed programming and services which will improve youth outcomes and decrease risk factors associated with firearm violence.

The Welch Charitable Fund, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, supports organizations within the Greater Portland area, specifically Cumberland County, Maine. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being by prioritizing nonprofits dedicated to youth, education, healthcare, alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation, and arts and culture. The fund aims to provide grants that either increase the scope (number of people or services) or improve the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations, as well as support new or expanded projects that address community needs in these focus areas. The target beneficiaries of the Welch Charitable Fund are individuals residing in the Greater Portland area, with a particular focus on youth. The fund seeks to impact these beneficiaries by supporting projects that promote their development, health, and access to educational and cultural opportunities. Through strategic funding, the foundation aims to contribute to a healthier, more educated, and culturally enriched community, ultimately addressing critical social issues such as substance abuse. The priorities and focuses of the Welch Charitable Fund are clearly defined: education, health care, youth development, recovery from substance use disorder, and arts and culture. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to funding initiatives that directly address these areas, recognizing their interconnectedness in fostering a vibrant and resilient community. The theory of change behind this grant program is that by investing in these key sectors, the foundation can empower local organizations to deliver vital services and programs, leading to positive and lasting changes for individuals and the community as a whole. The expected outcomes of the grants include an expanded reach of services, improved organizational efficiency, and the successful implementation of new projects. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope and effectiveness improvements, the focus on increased numbers of people served and enhanced organizational performance suggests a commitment to tangible impact. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, public schools, public agencies, and Indian tribal governments, with a grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, underscoring the foundation's dedication to supporting a diverse array of community-serving entities.

The County of Maui's Green Grants program offers approximately $1.7 million in funding to support projects promoting sustainability. Managed by the Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S), the program aims to advance critical initiatives in environmental protection, restoration, and sustainable development across Maui County. This aligns with the broader mission of fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious community. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. The program particularly encourages projects led by, or with a focus on, women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches. The overall impact goal is to enhance environmental protection, restore wetlands, promote renewable energy, encourage green building, and facilitate the acquisition of essential equipment for sustainability initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable Maui County. The Green Grants program prioritizes several key areas through its distinct funding streams. These include the Environmental Protection Grant, which supports invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability (with a specific allocation for Waikapū community beautification). The Wetlands Restoration Grant focuses on organizations dedicated to wetland restoration. The Renewable Energy Grant supports initiatives promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant encourages sustainable building practices, with a portion designated for Living Building Challenge participants. Finally, the Equipment Purchase Grant assists in acquiring necessary equipment for all sustainability and environmental initiatives. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in environmental health, increased adoption of renewable energy, more sustainable building practices, and enhanced capacity for environmental initiatives through equipment acquisition. For instance, the Wetlands Restoration Grant aims to advance critical restoration efforts, while the Renewable Energy Grant seeks to enhance energy efficiency. The Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant promotes sustainable design and construction. Measurable results would include the number of restored wetlands, reduction in invasive species, new renewable energy installations, and the implementation of green building projects. The project period for grants is a full year, with options to align with either the Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) or Calendar Year (January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025) in 2025.

This program provides funding and support for student-led teams in grades 6-12 to create and implement social action projects that address community issues in areas like education, health, environment, and civic engagement.

The City of Santa Barbara's Cultural Arts Grants program is an annual initiative demonstrating the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable local cultural sector and ensuring arts access for all residents. With an investment of nearly $250,000, the program aims to strengthen the community through various artistic endeavors. This aligns with a broader mission to enhance local economic and community vitality by supporting diverse nonprofits and catalyzing engaging events and festivals. The grant program targets Santa Barbara-based organizations, specifically focusing on underserved communities and youth to provide equitable arts access. The overall impact goal is to uplift these communities, support the capacity and performance of nonprofit arts organizations, and promote the city's cultural vitality. By embracing multicultural and neighborhood arts, the program seeks to create a more inclusive and culturally rich environment for everyone. The program is structured around three distinct grant programs, each with specific priorities and focuses. Community Arts (CA) Grants prioritize projects that create arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth, with a maximum funding request of up to $6,000. Organizational Development (OD) Grants are designed to support nonprofit arts organizations in enhancing their capacity, audience reach, and earned income, with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. Finally, Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants focus on incubating events that contribute to the city's cultural promotion and vitality, also with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. The expected outcomes of these grants include increased arts access for all community members, strengthened capacity and performance of local arts organizations, and the successful execution of events and festivals that boost local economic and community vitality. Measurable results would likely involve the number of participants reached through Community Arts projects, the growth in audience numbers or earned income for organizations receiving Organizational Development grants, and the attendance and economic impact generated by Community Events & Festivals. The city's strategic priority is clearly to invest in and sustain a thriving arts ecosystem that serves all its residents and contributes to the overall well-being and economic health of Santa Barbara. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted financial support, the city can foster a dynamic cultural landscape that enriches lives, strengthens community bonds, and stimulates local economic activity.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Erie County, Ohio, to address community needs in areas such as job training, mental health, childcare, and access to healthy food.

With this solicitation, OJJDP seeks applications to support a national network of 61 multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task forces engaged in investigations, forensic examinations and prosecutions related to technology facilitated child sexual exploitation. Additionally, task forces provide forensic technical assistance to law enforcement and prosecutorial officials and provide community education information to parents, educators, prosecutors, law enforcement and others working to combat child exploitation. The successful applicant will provide program support to OJJDP; the ICAC task forces; ICAC National Training Program providers; and other federal, state, and local law enforcement officials partnering with the ICAC task force program specifically by maintaining, strengthening, and enhancing the ICAC Child Online Protection System (ICACCOPS) investigative tools.

The Indiana Department of Health’s (IDOH) Maternal and Child Health Division aims to fund community-based organizations, local health departments, hospitals, and not-for-profit organizations in Indiana. The primary goal is to implement evidence-based or promising practice programs focused on teen pregnancy prevention and positive youth development. This initiative aligns with the IDOH's mission to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state by empowering youth to make healthy decisions and avoid risky behaviors. The funding is provided by the Family and Youth Services Bureau and the IDOH, Maternal and Child Health Division (MCH). The program's target beneficiaries are youth within Indiana, with an intentional focus on high-risk groups. These include youth in or aging out of foster care, those in the child welfare system, idle youth (not working or in school), school dropouts, youth living in poverty, youth in juvenile centers, traditionally underserved racial or ethnic groups, LGBTQIA+ youth, and runaway or homeless youth. The impact goals are to reduce teen pregnancy rates, promote self-regulation, encourage healthy relationships, and foster goal setting through a positive youth development framework. The priorities and focuses of this grant include providing evidence-based sexual risk avoidance education curricula that normalize voluntarily refraining from non-marital sexual activity. Programs should also emphasize the benefits of self-regulation, success sequencing, healthy relationships, and goal setting. Applicants may also implement the Teen Café Model alongside an evidence-based curriculum. Additionally, the program prioritizes teaching youth skills to avoid risky behaviors, explaining how alcohol and drug use increases vulnerability, defining "consent" and "active consent," and teaching the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity. Where appropriate, mentoring, counseling, and adult supervision should be provided to support these objectives. Expected outcomes include a decrease in teen pregnancy rates among participating youth, an increase in youth demonstrating self-regulation and goal-setting behaviors, and improved decision-making regarding sexual activity. Measurable results will likely be tracked through participant engagement, knowledge acquisition on consent and risk avoidance, and, ultimately, a reduction in pregnancy rates within the target populations. The strategic priority is to equip Indiana's youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for positive development and to avoid the risks associated with early sexual activity, thereby improving long-term health and well-being outcomes. The theory of change posits that by providing comprehensive, evidence-based education and support, at-risk youth will be empowered to make informed choices that lead to healthier lives and a reduced incidence of teen pregnancy. Projects are scheduled to start October 1, 2024, and conclude September 30, 2026, contingent on federal funding availability.

The County of Maui's Green Grants program, managed by the Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S), is a significant initiative providing approximately $1.7 million in funding to support projects that promote sustainability. This program aligns with the county's mission to enhance environmental protection and sustainability within Maui. The grants aim to foster a greener future for the region by supporting a diverse range of environmental projects. The program targets a broad spectrum of beneficiaries, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. A particular emphasis is placed on projects led by, or with a focus on, women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches. The impact goals are centered around environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability. This includes initiatives in areas such as invasive species management and broader environmental protection efforts, contributing to the overall ecological well-being of Maui County. Key priorities for the Green Grants include supporting initiatives that address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. The program has a specific allocation for an Environmental Protection Grant, totaling $490,000 for FY25, which will fund initiatives in invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability. Additionally, up to $10,000 is specifically allocated for Waikapū community beautification projects, highlighting a focus on local community engagement and improvement. The expected outcomes and measurable results include tangible environmental improvements across Maui County, such as reduced invasive species, restored natural habitats, and enhanced conservation efforts. The program anticipates projects that will contribute to a more sustainable environment, with a particular emphasis on community-led initiatives and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge. Projects are expected to run for a full year, with options for alignment to either Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) or Calendar Year (January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025) 2025, allowing for flexible project planning and execution to maximize impact.

The Go Outside Fund by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin offers grants between $100 and $500 to teachers and organizations in Wisconsin, aiming to facilitate outdoor, nature-based learning experiences for children aged pre-K to 12 by covering costs such as field supplies, transportation, and educator costs.

The **Mardag Foundation** is now accepting applications for its **2024 Grant Program**, supporting organizations that promote equity, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life for Minnesotans. Rooted in collaboration and racial equity, the foundation’s approach emphasizes community-informed work that empowers marginalized populations and fosters lasting, inclusive change. Grant funding is available to organizations serving residents in **Greater Minnesota** and the **East Metro counties of Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington**. The foundation’s giving focuses on three primary areas. The first is **improving the lives of low-income children, youth, and families** who face barriers to opportunity. Priority is given to organizations serving marginalized communities—especially Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)—and addressing intersections of education, mental health, basic needs, employment pathways, healthcare access, and housing stability. Projects that eliminate inequities and expand equitable opportunities for youth and families are especially encouraged to apply. The second focus area supports **older adults who face isolation, financial hardship, or barriers to full participation in community life**. Funding will prioritize organizations serving low-income older Minnesotans, particularly those who are also members of marginalized groups such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, or people with disabilities. Grants may support efforts to meet basic needs, improve caregiving quality, promote mental health, reduce isolation, and enable aging in place through stable and safe housing. The foundation also welcomes programs fostering **intergenerational connections**, which enrich both older adults and younger participants through shared experiences. The third priority is **strengthening community vitality through arts and culture**. The Mardag Foundation believes that the arts play a vital role in honoring diverse cultures and fostering shared understanding. Funding will support arts and culture organizations that elevate underrepresented voices and amplify the creative contributions of BIPOC, low-income, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Through these efforts, the foundation aims to build stronger, more connected, and culturally vibrant communities across Minnesota. The foundation offers two types of grants: **General Operating Support** and **Capital Project grants**. General operating grants provide flexible funding to nonprofits that serve at least 50% of their beneficiaries in the East Metro or Greater Minnesota. Capital grants support facility improvements or equipment purchases for projects based in these same regions, typically distributed over multiple years. Eligible applicants include **501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and religious organizations**. Preference is given to entities whose work is led or informed by the people most affected by the issues they address. The Mardag Foundation does not fund organizations using fiscal sponsors, those exclusively serving Minneapolis or the West Metro, scholarships, sectarian programs, or large-scale capital campaigns for private schools or universities. By focusing its support on community-led efforts that address inequality and strengthen social infrastructure, the foundation continues its mission of advancing opportunity, dignity, and well-being for all Minnesotans—especially those facing the greatest barriers to success.

The Avery Community Foundation (ACF) is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving Avery County, North Carolina. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address a broad range of local needs. The ACF seeks to support initiatives that strengthen the community across various sectors, demonstrating a strategic commitment to comprehensive local development. The grant program targets a diverse range of beneficiaries within Avery County, including those in need of human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The impact goal is to meet these local needs through funding programs that deliver direct benefits to the community-at-large. The foundation prioritizes organizations that provide programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. The program focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs that benefit the community-at-large, but not for general operating support. This focus ensures that funding reaches a wide array of entities capable of implementing effective community programs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond meeting local needs, the foundation expects outcomes that demonstrably improve the quality of life and address the identified challenges within Avery County. The typical grant range of $500 to $1,000 suggests a strategy of providing smaller, impactful grants to support numerous local initiatives. The ACF's theory of change appears to be rooted in empowering local organizations to directly address community needs, thereby fostering a more resilient and thriving local environment.

The Duplin County Community Foundation (DCCF) Grant Program is currently accepting applications to support qualified charitable organizations serving the local community of Duplin County, North Carolina. This grant program is aligned with the DCCF's mission to address a broad range of local needs. The grant-making fund supports various purposes, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a responsive grant-making approach that addresses the diverse needs within the community, ensuring that funds are directed where they can have the most significant impact. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations that serve the community-at-large within Duplin County. This includes 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs benefiting the community, but not for general operating support. The impact goal is to strengthen the local community by supporting essential services and programs that improve the quality of life for its residents. The foundation aims to create a ripple effect of positive change through its investments. The program prioritizes initiatives that meet local needs in a wide array of areas. This broad focus allows for flexibility in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities within Duplin County. The expected outcomes include enhanced community services, improved educational opportunities, healthier residents, and greater access to nutritious food and artistic programs. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number of individuals served by grant-funded programs, improvements in specific indicators related to health or education, and the overall positive impact on the well-being of Duplin County residents. The Duplin County Community Foundation's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by providing financial support to well-aligned and impactful local organizations, the foundation can empower these entities to deliver vital services and programs. This, in turn, leads to a stronger, more resilient, and vibrant community. The foundation emphasizes inclusivity, requiring organizations to offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief, ensuring equitable access to resources and benefits for all residents. The typical grant range from the community grantmaking fund is $500 to $1,000.

This program provides essential oral health supplies, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, to non-profit organizations in Wisconsin that serve underprivileged children, adults, and seniors.

This funding opportunity supports schools and organizations in providing long-term artist residencies that enhance students' arts education through hands-on learning experiences.

Wilkes Community Foundation (WCF) is accepting applications for its community grants program, which is designed to address a wide array of local needs throughout Wilkes County, North Carolina. Rooted in its mission to strengthen and uplift the community, WCF strategically invests in initiatives spanning human services, education, youth development, health, food and nutrition, and the arts. The foundation’s theory of change is built on the principle that comprehensive investment across diverse sectors contributes to a stronger, more resilient community—one that can respond effectively to the evolving needs of its residents. This holistic funding approach ensures that multiple aspects of community life are supported, creating a network of programs that reinforce each other for maximum local impact. The program’s target beneficiaries are Wilkes County residents served through a broad spectrum of community organizations and institutions. Eligible applicants include qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, local governments—including public schools—fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable services. The impact goals are both immediate and long-term: improving quality of life, enhancing access to educational opportunities, supporting healthy lifestyles, reducing food insecurity, and promoting cultural enrichment. By focusing on these goals, WCF aims to address both urgent community needs and the structural factors that shape well-being. WCF places strong emphasis on funding initiatives that can clearly demonstrate their potential for measurable impact. Priority is given to programs that respond to critical community needs and that show evidence of organizational capacity to implement effective solutions. This includes programs that address social determinants of health, expand educational attainment, enhance youth development opportunities, and foster community engagement through the arts. A key expectation for grantees is to deliver services equitably and without discrimination, ensuring that all residents have fair access to the benefits created through funded initiatives. The expected outcomes of the grant program are multifaceted. In the short term, funded projects are anticipated to increase access to essential services, improve food and health security, expand educational resources, and enrich the cultural fabric of Wilkes County. Over the longer term, WCF envisions these investments leading to stronger local institutions, more empowered community members, improved health and education outcomes, and greater civic engagement. These outcomes align with WCF’s belief that sustainable community improvement requires both meeting immediate needs and building long-term capacity for growth and resilience. Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,500, with a possible maximum of $10,000. This funding structure enables the foundation to support both small grassroots efforts and more expansive initiatives. Religious entities may apply for funding tied specifically to charitable and social service programs but are not eligible for general operating support. This approach ensures that resources are strategically allocated to programs with direct and demonstrable community impact. By funding a broad range of initiatives, WCF empowers local organizations to act as catalysts for change. Ultimately, WCF’s grantmaking strategy reflects a belief in the power of local action and collaborative problem-solving. By equipping community-based organizations with the resources they need to address critical issues, the foundation is investing in a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Wilkes County. Its community grants program embodies a balanced strategy of flexibility and accountability—providing support where it is most needed while ensuring that funded efforts contribute meaningfully to the county’s collective well-being and long-term prosperity.

The Harnett County Community Foundation (HCCF) is actively seeking grant applications from qualified charitable organizations dedicated to serving the local community. This grant program is designed to address a broad spectrum of local needs, aligning with the HCCF's mission to foster community well-being and development. By supporting a diverse range of purposes, the foundation aims to strengthen the social fabric and improve the quality of life within Harnett County. The grantmaking funds are primarily directed towards areas such as human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The target beneficiaries are individuals and groups within Harnett County who benefit from these essential services and programs. The impact goal is to create a healthier, more educated, and enriched community, addressing critical needs and fostering sustainable growth in various sectors. The HCCF's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on empowering local organizations that can deliver tangible benefits to the community. The foundation believes that by investing in these diverse areas, it can create a ripple effect of positive change. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the general intent is to support programs that demonstrate a clear capacity to meet local needs and contribute to the overall welfare of Harnett County residents. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, with a broader size of $1,000 to $10,000 possible, indicating a flexible approach to funding based on the scope and impact of proposed projects. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofits, organizations with a fiscal agent, local governments, fire and rescue departments, and religious entities focusing on social outreach. This inclusive eligibility criteria ensures that a wide array of community-serving bodies can apply, further broadening the potential impact of the grants.

This funding opportunity supports educational non-profits, public schools, and US Chess affiliates in creating initiatives that encourage participation and engagement of women and girls in chess through workshops and tournaments.