Youth Civic Engagement Mini Grant

The Youth Civic Engagement Mini Grant, administered by the Kansas Volunteer Commission, a program of the Kansas State Department of Education, aims to enhance youth participation in civic activities across Kansas. Recognizing the significant positive impact of youth civic engagement—including higher academic performance, improved social-emotional health, and increased community participation—the program encourages K-12 students to actively participate in their communities. Through this grant, young people are not just participants but are integral to the design and implementation of initiatives, ensuring authentic involvement in community development and democratic practices. This funding opportunity is especially targeted at projects that are youth-led or youth-initiated. Eligible activities include service-learning projects, community service initiatives, programs that place youth in advisory roles on local boards, governance shadowing opportunities, and efforts to promote youth attendance at public commission or school district meetings. All funded projects must be nonpartisan, must not promote any specific political party or policy agenda, and cannot include voter registration efforts. The overarching goal is to cultivate a generation of civically engaged Kansans who actively contribute to a vibrant, inclusive democracy. Eligible applicants include public or private nonprofit organizations (including faith-based and community groups), school districts, institutions of higher education, local and state government entities, labor organizations, partnerships and consortia, and Native American tribes. Importantly, all funded activities must take place within Kansas. Applicants are required to have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN), Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number, and active System for Award Management (SAM) registration prior to applying. The grant provides funding of up to $5,000 per entity, with a total pool of $30,000 available. This is a cost-reimbursement program with a mandatory dollar-for-dollar match. Applicants may meet this match through a combination of cash and in-kind contributions, excluding the value of volunteer hours. Funds must be used to supplement, not supplant, existing activities and cannot be used for staffing, travel, gift cards, indirect costs, or subawards. All expenditures must be incurred within the official grant period, which runs from April 1 to September 30, 2026, and recipients must submit final reports by October 12, 2026, to receive reimbursement by November 16, 2026. Applications are due by March 16, 2026, and awards will be announced on or around March 23, 2026. All applicants must submit completed forms via email, including a signed W-9. New applicants who fail to receive a confirmation of receipt should contact the designated grant officer. All recipients are required to complete training on match documentation and must include Kansas Volunteer Commission and KSDE logos on promotional materials. This program is part of a broader initiative to close opportunity gaps and ensure equitable representation in civic and political life. By empowering youth with leadership roles and civic responsibilities, the grant supports the development of life-long habits of engagement, contributing to a just and inclusive society.

Priority is given to youth-led, youth-initiated projects that engage underrepresented populations.