Youth Engagement Programs in Kansas and Missouri

The Youth Engagement grant from the Patterson Family Foundation is designed to strengthen rural communities by expanding opportunities for youth and young adults to become active participants in community life. This initiative seeks proposals that foster youth involvement through volunteerism, service organizations, leadership development, and by amplifying youth voices in areas like the arts and local journalism. The Foundation will fund projects within a range of $50,000 to $500,000, and the focus is specifically on rural counties in Kansas and western Missouri with populations of fewer than 50,000 residents. Eligible projects must engage youth meaningfully and sustainably, equipping them with the tools, opportunities, and platforms needed to become future leaders and contributors in their communities. However, there are several exclusions. The Foundation will not fund capital projects, lobbying or advocacy initiatives, foster care or social service agency programs, booster clubs, youth sports teams, or scholarship programs. This ensures that resources are concentrated on programmatic efforts that directly build youth engagement capacity. The grant follows a structured two-round process. Round 1 begins on April 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM CST, with LOIs due by April 18, and full applications due by May 9. Round 2 LOIs must be submitted by July 3, and full applications are due by July 25, 2025. Grant award decisions will be communicated in August for Round 1 and October for Round 2. Early LOI submission is strongly encouraged to allow adequate time for the full application process, if invited. Applicants must register in the Patterson Family Foundation’s Grants Portal before accessing the LOI form. Registration must be completed by 12:00 PM CST on April 18 for Round 1 and July 3 for Round 2. Each registration request undergoes an eligibility review prior to approval. Returning applicants may use existing credentials to access the system. To support prospective applicants, the Foundation offers Office Hours from 1 – 3 PM, during which applicants can seek guidance. Interested parties can email Sasha Winterowd at [email protected] at least two business days prior to the desired session, including their name, email, preferred date, and three questions to be addressed. For general questions, contact [email protected]. Final funding decisions are only confirmed in writing via formal award letters. Organizations should not publicly announce funding until the award has been formally communicated and approved. Grantees will receive guidance on public communications post-award, and funding does not guarantee future support.