Youth-Led Projects in Ohio

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is offering its Youth-led Grant Program, an initiative designed to empower young people to lead projects that advance opportunities within the region. This program directly aligns with FAO's mission to foster prosperity by investing in youth leadership and addressing key community needs through its five Pillars of Prosperity: Arts & Culture, Education, Community and Economic Development, Environmental Stewardship, and Health and Human Services. By supporting youth-driven projects, FAO aims to cultivate leadership skills, encourage civic engagement, and create positive, lasting change across Appalachian Ohio. The program targets youth, specifically those developing and implementing projects in partnership with nonprofit, school, or public organizations. This includes, but is not limited to, youth-led nonprofit organizations (under 18), student-led groups embedded in schools (e.g., National Honor Society, Beta Club), service projects led by Scouts or 4-H clubs, and projects developed through youth leadership programs. A special focus is placed on youth-led projects that are Black-led or Black-serving across all 32 Appalachian Ohio counties through the African American Community Fund. The primary impact goal is to advance opportunities and improve the quality of life in these communities through youth-driven initiatives. Projects are prioritized based on their alignment with FAO's five Pillars of Prosperity, ensuring that funding addresses critical areas such as artistic and cultural enrichment, educational advancement, economic development, environmental protection, and improved health and human services. Grant requests are expected to be between $250 and $2,500, with up to $75,000 in total grant funding available. The emphasis is on tangible projects that demonstrate youth leadership and a clear impact on the selected communities. The expected outcomes of the Youth-led Grant Program include the successful implementation of projects that contribute to community well-being in the identified pillar areas. Measurable results could include the number of youth engaged in leadership roles, the reach and impact of the projects within the targeted communities, and the specific improvements or opportunities created by the funded initiatives. FAO's strategic priority with this program is to build a strong foundation for future community development by nurturing the leadership potential of Appalachian Ohio's youth, thereby contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.