Lenawee YOUTH Council Grant Program

The Lenawee YOUTH Council, a program of the Lenawee Community Foundation, is currently accepting grant applications for the 2025 cycle. The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization based in Adrian, Michigan, dedicated to strengthening the community by supporting nonprofits, scholarships, and local initiatives that promote health, happiness, and hope across Lenawee County. The Youth Council provides leadership development, community service opportunities, and a platform for young people between the ages of 12 and 21 to play an active role in shaping the county’s future. The grant program provides awards of up to $2,500 to support projects that benefit youth in Lenawee County. Projects must demonstrate clear community value and contribute to building youth assets. Successful proposals will include evidence of active youth participation, youth volunteerism, and partnerships with the Lenawee Community Foundation or its programs. Preference is given to projects that serve multiple communities within the county and to those applicants willing to raise matching funds to enhance their impact. Funding is intended to directly support community-based youth initiatives and foster meaningful youth engagement. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Lenawee Community Foundation’s grant portal at https://goapply2.akoyago.com/lenaweecf. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. To be eligible for funding, the recipient group must ensure at least one of its members attends the Lenawee Youth Leadership Camp, further reinforcing the Council’s commitment to leadership development. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation for guidance before submitting a proposal. The Lenawee YOUTH Council will review applications for eligibility and merit before making recommendations to the Lenawee Community Foundation Board of Directors. Selection is based on the project’s alignment with program goals, the quality of youth involvement, demonstrated community value, and evidence of partnerships. The final decisions rest with the Foundation’s board following Council recommendations. The application period is currently open, with a submission deadline of October 1, 2025. Grant recipients will be notified by December 2, 2025. This annual opportunity follows a recurring timeline, ensuring that organizations across Lenawee County can prepare for future cycles if not selected in the current year. The program provides consistent and predictable support for local youth projects, reinforcing its importance as a cornerstone of community youth development. For questions about eligibility, project fit, or the application process, interested applicants may contact Paula Trentman at paula@lenaweecf.com or by phone at 517-263-4696. Additional inquiries can also be directed to Kirsten Stiver at kirsten@lenaweecf.com. The Foundation’s office is located at 1440 W. Maumee St., Adrian, MI 49221. By partnering with local youth and supporting their initiatives, the Lenawee Community Foundation continues to build a stronger, more engaged community for all residents of Lenawee County.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation before submitting a request.