The Community Foundation’s Youth Grants program is administered by the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a group of high school students from the tri-county capital region of Michigan. These grants are funded by the Youth Fund and aim to address issues that significantly impact teens aged 12-18. The YAC identifies these issues through a Youth Survey and supports programs designed to provide meaningful solutions. For 2025, the top concerns are substance abuse (with a focus on vaping), teen mental wellness (including depression, anxiety, and stress), and violence.
Youth Grant proposals must primarily benefit teens in the tri-county capital region. Applicants should ensure their programs align with these focus areas to maximize their chances of receiving funding. The program encourages innovative and impactful projects that can make a measurable difference in the lives of local teens.
The application period for the 2025 Youth Grants runs from December 9, 2024, to February 5, 2025. During this time, nonprofits can submit their proposals through the GOapply grant portal. The Youth Advisory Council will evaluate all submissions based on their alignment with the identified issues and the potential impact on the community. Applications that demonstrate a strong connection to the YAC’s focus areas and offer specific, actionable solutions are more likely to be prioritized.
Applicants may be invited to participate in a virtual interview with YAC members in April 2025. This interview provides an opportunity to discuss the proposal in greater detail and respond to questions from the council. All applicants will be notified of the council’s decisions by early May 2025.
To assist in the application process, the Foundation provides a sample application and a downloadable financial statement template. These resources are available for review and preparation but should not be submitted as part of the application. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all guidelines and ensure their proposals are complete and submitted on time.
Organizations seeking Youth Grants must use the GOapply grant portal for submission. The portal provides a streamlined process for completing and tracking applications. For questions or technical assistance, applicants can contact the Community Foundation. The program emphasizes the importance of addressing critical teen issues and creating lasting positive change in the community.
