Youth Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to rural United Methodist churches in North Carolina to enhance leadership, community engagement, and sustainable practices.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) offers this grant to fund a national membership and accreditation organization supporting Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs). These centers coordinate responses to child abuse victims by providing training, technical assistance, and promoting national standards. This initiative is in line with the Department of Justice’s efforts to enhance community safety and protect civil rights, focusing on building trust between law enforcement and communities. The program targets to uphold law, ensure national safety, and protect civil rights by fostering environments that support victims of child abuse through multidisciplinary collaborations.

This grant provides financial support to schools and organizations in the Carthage area to enhance athletic opportunities for youth through sports camps, clinics, and character development programs.

The Tobacco Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Attorney General, California Department of Justice, aims to foster a healthier California by curtailing illegal cigarette and tobacco sales and marketing to minors. This highly competitive program, enabled by Proposition 56, allocates funds to applicants with robust enforcement capabilities. Funded agencies will focus on enforcing tobacco-related laws, conducting retailer and online inspections, and enhancing local coordination and education efforts.

The department is providing up to $25,000 in one-time funding to faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with the purpose of creating respite ministries or programs that provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families with a safe place of rest. An example of faith-based respite includes providing a church activity with trained staff for people with disabilities so that parents can enjoy a night out. The grant is designed to provide flexibility to applying organizations to build a respite plan that meets the needs of their faith community. DIDD has $500,000 of total funding for this grant program. It is accepting applications for funding until June 14, 2024. Questions about the grant can be directed to Braden.Odom@tn.gov.

United Way of Dane County is offering 2025-2026 Impact Grants, an open and competitive funding opportunity for organizations working in Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Healthy Communities. This grant program is deeply aligned with United Way of Dane County’s Plan for Community Well-Being, which seeks to measurably increase individual and family well-being in Dane County, ensuring every person leads a healthy, thriving, and secure life unimpacted by systemic racism, discrimination, and poverty. The total investment available is approximately $2-$3 million, with minimum awards of $15,000 per year for a two-year funding cycle (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026), contingent on Campaign results. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals and families in Dane County, particularly those impacted by systemic racism, discrimination, and poverty. The impact goals are centered on fostering healthy, thriving, and secure lives for all residents. United Way of Dane County is looking to support organizations whose work aligns with their collective vision and demonstrates the greatest potential for impact in helping to achieve these community goals. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined through a multi-generational approach. This includes engaging in sustainable, long-term work on systems change with a clear focus on youth opportunity, financial security, and healthy communities. Furthermore, the grants emphasize modeling equitable, anti-racist practices across all aspects of work, including investments, partnerships, innovation, public policy advocacy, data and research, and connection to resources. Another key priority is cultivating a stronger nonprofit ecosystem through trust-based collaborations to drive positive community change. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in individual and family well-being throughout Dane County. This involves supporting organizations that directly contribute to the defined goals of the Plan for Community Well-Being, ultimately aiming for a community where experiences of systemic racism, discrimination, and poverty no longer impact a person's ability to lead a healthy, thriving, and secure life. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in a holistic approach to community well-being, focusing on systemic change and equitable practices to achieve lasting positive impact.

The Center for Fiction / Susan Kamil 2024–2025 Emerging Writer Fellowship is a grant program designed to support early-career fiction writers based in New York City. The Center for Fiction's mission, though not explicitly detailed in its entirety, aligns with fostering literary talent and providing crucial support to emerging voices in fiction. This fellowship specifically addresses a critical need for developmental opportunities for writers who are at an early stage in their careers and have not yet received significant recognition or traditional publishing contracts. The program directly supports the literary arts and contributes to the cultural landscape of New York City by nurturing its writing community. The primary target beneficiaries of this fellowship are emerging fiction writers residing in any of the five boroughs of New York City. These individuals are defined as those who have not yet published a novel or short story collection with a major or independent publisher, nor are they currently under contract for such a work. While prior publication in magazines, literary journals, or online is acceptable, it is not a prerequisite. The impact goal is to empower these writers by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and exposure necessary to develop their craft, revise their manuscripts, and connect with industry professionals, thereby helping them achieve major recognition for their work. The program prioritizes supporting writers whose work demonstrates promise of excellence, focusing on those in the early stages of their careers who lack the support needed for significant recognition. Key focuses include providing financial relief through a $5,000 grant, offering professional editorial mentorship to refine manuscripts, and granting access to a dedicated Writers Studio. Furthermore, the fellowship emphasizes professional networking opportunities through monthly dinners with editors, authors, and agents, and public readings to build a writer's profile. Expected outcomes include the professional development of the fellows, marked by revised and improved manuscripts, expanded professional networks, and increased visibility within the literary community. Measurable results could include the number of fellows who secure publishing contracts post-fellowship, the quality of their revised manuscripts, the success of their public readings, and the overall trajectory of their careers as fiction writers. While the document does not explicitly state the foundation's full strategic priorities or theory of change, it implies a belief that direct financial support, professional guidance, dedicated writing space, and networking opportunities are crucial catalysts for emerging writers to overcome barriers to entry and achieve success in the competitive publishing world.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the St. Louis area that focus on improving education and healthcare outcomes for children and youth.

The Youngstown Foundation offers various grant programs designed to be innovative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the local community in Youngstown and vicinity (Mahoning and Trumbull Counties). The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in supporting effective 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that do not discriminate. Each year, approximately 500 grants, ranging from $1,000 to $300,000, are awarded across several program areas including Health, Environment, Education and Youth, Community Development, Arts and Culture, Social/Family Services, Women, and Seniors. This broad scope reflects the foundation's commitment to addressing diverse community needs and aligning its resources with key areas for local impact. The target beneficiaries of The Youngstown Foundation's grants are the people of Youngstown and vicinity, specifically residents of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. The foundation aims for significant impact by supporting projects and organizations that strengthen the community's ability to respond effectively to needs, promote collaboration, and reduce duplication of services. Expected outcomes include improved health, environmental quality, educational opportunities, youth development, community infrastructure, arts and culture, social and family well-being, and support for women and seniors. The Crisis Assistance Program, for example, specifically targets agencies needing emergency funding to ensure continuity of essential, direct services to clients, with a clear outcome of maintaining critical community support during times of crisis. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its preference for innovative proposals that originate from local organizations, target local populations, demonstrate strong volunteer leadership, and build on community strengths. The foundation seeks to apply its resources optimally and confirms an agency's sustainability/strategic plan, with no expectation of annual funding, thereby fostering long-term impact and self-sufficiency. Its theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in local, well-led, and collaborative initiatives, it can create a resilient community that effectively addresses its own needs. The types of grants offered further illustrate these priorities. Program Grants support specific, time-bound projects with explicit objectives and predetermined costs, focusing on measurable results within defined program areas. Operational Grants support an organization's overall activities and overhead, allowing grantees discretion to use funds where most needed, particularly for organizations consistently serving Mahoning and/or Trumbull county residents, thus ensuring ongoing vital services. Capital Investment Grants are specifically for improving physical spaces within the designated counties, contributing to the community's infrastructure. The Crisis Assistance Program and Support Fund Grants, including the Williamson Fund, highlight the foundation's responsiveness to immediate needs and its strategy to amplify individual contributions to small and midsize charities.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CPDHE) Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) has established a grant program to support community-based initiatives aimed at interrupting cycles of gun violence, trauma, and retaliation. This program aligns with the OGVP's mission to address disparities in communities at the highest risk by focusing on firearm suicide prevention and community violence intervention. The program targets communities and individuals most impacted by firearm homicides and suicides, including Black, Latino, Indigenous, and other People of Color communities; LGBTQIA+ communities; youth and young adults; veterans; middle-aged men; and isolated rural communities. The overarching impact goal is to reduce firearm-related harm and death, fostering safer and more resilient communities. The grant funding is structured around two primary paths. Path 1 focuses on the prevention of unintentional and intentional firearm-related harm through strategies like promoting safe storage, lethal means counseling, and educating the public on Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Path 2 is dedicated to Community Violence Intervention or Interruption, utilizing strategies such as Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs), Community-Based Intervention Programs (CVIPs) with "credible messenger" models, and Violence Interruption Programs that provide immediate responses to shootings and promote non-violence. Expected outcomes include a reduction in unauthorized firearm access, increased education on temporary out-of-home gun storage, decreased firearm suicides, and a decrease in community violence through intervention and interruption strategies. Measurable results will likely involve tracking participation in safe storage programs, knowledge of ERPOs, engagement in violence intervention programs, and ultimately, a reduction in firearm-related incidents and deaths in targeted communities. The OGVP's strategic priority is to address disparities in high-risk communities, and its theory of change posits that by investing in community-led initiatives focused on prevention and intervention, it can effectively break cycles of violence and trauma. Total available funding is approximately $500,000 each fiscal year, with up to 10 grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per awardee. The initial funding period runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, with a potential for renewal through 2027. Eligible applicants include Colorado-based community and grassroots nonprofit organizations, nonprofit educational institutions, nonprofit healthcare organizations, and nonprofit organizations serving reservations or Tribal land. The program particularly encourages applications from organizations advocating for or serving the identified priority communities.

The Black Equity & Excellence Fund, established by the Central New York Community Foundation, is dedicated to supporting community-based projects that foster self-sufficiency and enhance the physical and economic well-being of the Black community in Central New York. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to strengthen race-related matters and promote social and educational growth within the community. By investing in projects that directly address the unique needs and challenges faced by Black residents, the fund aims to create a more equitable and thriving environment, reflecting the Foundation's strategic priority of community development and social justice. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and projects that explicitly serve the Black community, particularly in Onondaga and Madison counties. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Black individuals and families through various interventions. The program aims to empower the Black community by building upon existing capabilities and addressing systemic disparities. This is achieved by focusing on specific interest areas that have been identified as crucial for community advancement and well-being. The fund prioritizes projects within several key focus areas, including Black Creatives, Black Leadership + Advancement, Black LGBTQIA+, Black Mental Wellness, Black Legacy + Generational Wealth, Black Business, Black Maternal Health, Black Civic Engagement, Black Youth + Students, and Black Tech. These areas reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investments in these sectors will lead to holistic development and greater equity. Projects are encouraged to contribute to dialogue that strengthens race-related matters and supports social and educational growth, indicating a strategic approach to fostering long-term, sustainable change. Expected outcomes include increased self-sufficiency, improved physical and economic conditions, and enhanced community well-being within the Black community. Measurable results are tied to the types of projects funded, with different funding levels supporting various initiatives, from grassroots efforts and pilot programs to the expansion of existing projects and large capital projects. The eligibility criteria, which mandate Black leadership in senior executive positions and at least 51% Black board membership, further ensure that the projects are community-led and responsive to the needs of the Black population, thereby maximizing impact and fostering authentic community empowerment.

This initiative provides microgrants to young individuals aged 15 to 24 in Hoboken, New Jersey, to support their climate action projects that promote sustainability and community resilience.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) is offering the Elevation Grant Program to support community-based efforts in Marion County, Indiana. This program aligns with CICF's mission to foster a thriving community by focusing on areas critical to well-being and equitable opportunity. The grant aims to empower residents and organizations to address systemic challenges through targeted interventions, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and resilient Central Indiana. The grant targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including residents in specific neighborhoods, youth and young adults facing unique challenges, individuals currently interacting with the criminal legal system, and a priority population of Black/Latinx males aged 18-35 who are at high risk of violent victimization or perpetration. The impact goals are broad, encompassing increased resident safety, strengthened social networks, reduced crime, improved educational and employment outcomes for youth, enhanced social-emotional development, reduced recidivism, and comprehensive crisis response services for vulnerable populations. The Elevation Grant Program prioritizes five key areas: Thriving Neighborhoods, Empowered Youth / Young Adult, Restoration & Resilience, Justice-Involved Supports, and Intervention. Thriving Neighborhoods focuses on place-based efforts to promote safety and reduce crime, emphasizing resident engagement and community partnerships. Empowered Youth / Young Adult programs provide supportive services like employment, education, and mentoring to youth and young adults facing disengagement. Restoration & Resilience aims to offer social-emotional development, mental health support, and substance use reduction programs. Justice-Involved Supports focuses on services for individuals interacting with the criminal legal system to promote productive citizenship and reduce recidivism. Intervention programs implement integrated 24/7 crisis response services for the priority population, including housing, food, childcare, and mental health support. Expected outcomes and measurable results are integral to the grant program. For Thriving Neighborhoods, organizations must demonstrate increased resident safety and awareness through surveys, crime reporting, or statistics. Empowered Youth/Young Adult programs should show improved conditions for participants through measurable impacts of services and formal mentorship components. Justice-Involved Supports require demonstration of an individual's ability to gain skills, obtain work, secure housing, and prevent future interactions with the criminal legal system. The overall theory of change for CICF's Elevation Grant Program is to invest in strategic, community-led initiatives that address root causes of inequity and disengagement, thereby fostering a stronger, safer, and more equitable community for all residents of Marion County. The grant size ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 for an initial grant, with funding for the priority population ranging from $20,000 to $250,000. The grant duration is one year, with the grant period beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria include being a 501(c)(3) public charity or having a fiscal sponsor, being located in and serving residents of Marion County, Indiana. Organizations may apply to multiple interest areas.

The City of Champaign's Community Matters youth program, founded in 2007, offers funding for the 2024-2025 program year. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to address critical areas such as safety, academic support, technology, recreation, career exploration, and employment among its youth. The program seeks to support public or private non-profit agencies that provide services meeting the needs of Pre-K through 18-year-old students residing within Champaign. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth from low-income families within the City of Champaign. The program's impact goal is to have a lasting positive effect on the community by fostering well-rounded development in its youth. While open to low-income youth from any Champaign neighborhood as space and funding allow, a key prioritization is given to programs serving youth from specific target areas: Beardsley Park, Bristol Park, Garden Hills, and Douglass Park, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed for community transformation. Proposals should focus on activities that can be carried out with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These activities are broad and include the rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures, building demolition, construction and rehabilitation of public facilities, and public services. However, activities related to the general conduct of government, political activities, and new housing construction are generally ineligible. This focus ensures that the funded programs directly contribute to community improvement and youth development. The expected outcomes include enhanced safety, improved academic performance, increased technological literacy, greater recreational opportunities, and better career exploration and employment prospects for the youth participants. While specific measurable results for the 2024-2025 allocation are dependent on the yet-to-be-announced CDBG annual allocation, the previous year's public service allocation of approximately $133,000 provides an indication of the funding scale. This funding, limited to 15% of the City of Champaign’s total CDBG award, underscores the strategic priority of public services within the broader community development framework, aiming for a significant impact despite funding constraints. The funding period runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that create innovative programs or services for children under 18 with special needs, acute illnesses, or chronic disabilities.

The Monona County Community Partners Foundation (MCCPF) grant program aims to address present and emerging needs within Monona County, Iowa, by awarding grants in areas such as Arts & Culture, Civic, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. The grants are available to nonprofit organizations, units of local government, and public education institutions that serve Monona County and are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The application process opens on December 1, and the deadline is March 1, with final determinations made in the first week of April. Grants typically range from $250 to $15,000, focusing on projects with potential for long-term impact and collaboration with other community groups. The MCCPF provides funding every other year. Applicants funded in 2024 are not eligible for the 2025 cycle. Priority is given to projects that collaborate with other nonprofits and have potential for long-term community impact.

The OSU Extension Service Outdoor School provides funding for outdoor educational programs in Oregon that last between three to six days during the school year. Eligible programs must be educational experiences occurring during school hours and cater to Oregon students, typically in 5th or 6th grade. The funding supports programs aiming to enhance outdoor learning, and may include additional support such as indirect cost reimbursements if reports are submitted by certain deadlines. The program stresses the importance of including all students and provides alternatives for those who opt-out, ensuring inclusive access to outdoor education.

This grant provides funding to eligible tax-exempt organizations in Graham and Greenlee Counties to support projects focused on improving economic stability, education, and health, with a requirement for matching funds for construction initiatives.

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) is offering grants to support San Francisco’s residents, businesses, visitors, and workers by providing critical economic and workforce development resources. This Request for Proposals (RFP) encompasses four distinct program areas, with an anticipated total funding of $2.38 million for initial grant awards. The grants are designed to support programs delivered through three key OEWD divisions: Business Development, Community Economic Development (formerly Invest In Neighborhoods), and Workforce Development. The target beneficiaries of these programs include various communities within San Francisco. For Community Economic Development, the focus is on Castro cultural activation, specifically uplifting Queer and Transgender Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Workforce Development programs target workers through the Industries of Opportunity-Worker Cooperative Program and youth and young adults through the Industries of Opportunity-Youth and Young Adult Food Sovereignty program. Business Development programs aim to benefit the broader community through Union Square Park Programming. The grant prioritizes specific areas with defined funding allocations. Community Economic Development programs, focusing on Castro cultural activation, have a funding of $30,000. Workforce Development programs include $950,000 for the Worker Cooperative Program ($425,000 per program year) and $400,000 for the Youth and Young Adult Food Sovereignty program ($200,000 per program year). Business Development programs, specifically for Union Square Park Programming, are allocated $1,000,000. Successful proposals are expected to be funded for up to six years, concluding no later than June 2030, which indicates a long-term commitment to the initiatives. The eligibility criteria require applicants to be a nonprofit 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) organization, registered with the IRS and in good standing with relevant California state entities, and eligible to do business with the City and County of San Francisco. Expected outcomes include economic growth, workforce development, and community empowerment within the targeted areas of San Francisco, aligning with OEWD’s mission to support the city's residents and economy.

This grant provides funding up to $5,000 for organizations in Graham and Greenlee Counties to support projects focused on economic stability, education, and health.