The Under Pressure Funding Challenge

The Young Futures' Under Pressure Funding Challenge is a $1 million commitment designed to support early-stage organizations and solutions focused on alleviating the pressures teenagers experience in a technology-driven world. This initiative aligns directly with Young Futures' broader mission to help pre-teens and teens aged 10-19 thrive in a digital environment. The challenge draws upon insights from the Youth Listening Tour, partners, and experts in the youth wellbeing ecosystem, and is a collaborative effort with the Center for Digital Thriving. It is the second of several thematic challenges Young Futures plans to issue, all geared towards fostering positive development in a tech-saturated society. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are pre-teens and teens aged 10-19, with a specific focus on those struggling with the pressures of growing up in a tech-driven world. The impact goal is to significantly ease these pressures, enabling young people to thrive. The program prioritizes organizations that can articulate how they address digital tension, engage youth in the design and execution of their solutions, and have a proven track record of understanding and addressing community needs. The program also seeks candidates who are beyond the testing phase and are looking to scale their solutions. The challenge focuses on supporting innovative solutions that make it easier for young people to navigate the digital world and reduce the associated stress. Young Futures is particularly interested in organizations that are seeking to scale their impact beyond initial use or location within the next two years, or established organizations proposing new projects within this thematic area. This strategic priority reflects a theory of change that by investing in and amplifying proven, scalable solutions, Young Futures can create widespread, positive change in the lives of young people grappling with digital pressures. Expected outcomes include up to ten grant recipients, known as Young Futures Innovators, joining the Young Futures Academy. This five-month program is designed to enhance organizational capacity and amplify the impact of their solutions. Measurable results will likely stem from the program's ability to help these organizations level up and expand their reach, ultimately demonstrating a significant easing of pressures for the teen demographic they serve. The grants are for one year, with a total commitment of up to $1 million, supporting the sustained development and implementation of effective strategies.