The Youth in Philanthropy Fund, administered by the Rush County Community Foundation, aims to promote youth engagement and foster an early understanding of philanthropy among young leaders. This initiative provides grants to youth-led service projects or youth-focused organizations that benefit Rush County, Indiana, or its residents. The program supports community-based initiatives that are envisioned and carried out by youth, encouraging a sense of civic responsibility and leadership.
Eligible applicants must be youth affiliated with a nonprofit organization in Rush County. Applications must be youth-completed but require adult oversight. Proposals may involve fundraising; in such cases, a portion of the proceeds should be returned to the YIP Fund to help sustain the endowment and support future youth-driven philanthropy.
The fund specifically prioritizes projects that have broad community impact, propose practical and preventative solutions to community needs, stimulate volunteerism, and encourage collaboration among organizations. Preference is given to 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies, though new organizations proposing innovative, charitable efforts to address community needs are also considered. However, the fund does not typically support ongoing operational expenses, fundraising drives, debt reduction, building campaigns, individual expenses, multi-year commitments, or politically or religiously affiliated projects.
Grants are offered biannually with application deadlines on March 1 and October 15. Applications are only accepted online, with the form becoming available one month prior to each deadline. The fund does not host technical assistance sessions or require pre-application steps. Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with community impact, youth leadership, feasibility, and sustainability.
Applicants or organizations may contact the Rush County Community Foundation at [email protected] or by calling (765) 938-1177 for further information. The Foundation emphasizes inclusive practices and does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, sex, or national origin.
Youth must complete application and involve an adult supervisor; consider returning proceeds to the fund if fundraising.
