Youth Initiative 2025

The Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation offers a Youth Initiative grant program focused on improving the lives of youth aged 14 to 21 who have endured trauma due to exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The foundation is a private philanthropic entity that prioritizes direct service programs with a clear and targeted approach to fostering resilience, stability, and psycho-social health. Through this initiative, the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact by supporting youth whose developmental potential has been hindered by traumatic life circumstances. Eligible programs must meet several specific requirements. They must serve the target age group and specifically address trauma stemming from ACEs. These programs should include age-appropriate therapeutic interventions and adhere to trauma-informed practices, including the commitment to continual training for staff. Importantly, qualifying programs must be new—either entirely new to the organization or a new component to an existing initiative—and be in development or within their first year of implementation as of the application date. In addition, programs that move beyond mere crisis intervention to foster long-term resilience are prioritized. Services focused solely on initial safety, such as emergency or short-term shelter-based care, will not be considered. Instead, successful applicants must demonstrate a commitment to fostering lasting, supportive relationships between youth and significant adults in their lives, such as caregivers, parents, teachers, or coaches. The grant also requires a robust plan for evaluating effectiveness through either quantitative or qualitative metrics. The foundation favors programs that incorporate the voices of program beneficiaries in shaping and refining services, engage in collaboration with other organizations, and adopt a multidisciplinary approach. There is also a focus on outreach to underserved populations, such as BIPOC youth, those in rural areas, LGBTQ individuals, refugees, and youth involved with state systems or who have experienced sexual exploitation. The funding cycle includes a clear and structured timeline. Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) are accepted starting December 1 and must be submitted by January 15. Organizations invited to proceed must submit their full application by March 7. From April to May, conversations between trustees and applicants occur, followed by award notifications by June 30. Grant funds are disbursed by July 31. Grants are renewable for up to three years, contingent on annual reporting and review. Progress reports serve as the basis for renewal and must be submitted yearly. Only U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply, including those with a qualified fiscal sponsor agreement. Fiscal sponsors must demonstrate both programmatic and financial oversight. The average grant size is $30,000, and programs may receive funding for up to three years, with sustainability encouraged beyond the grant term. The foundation does not fund general operating support, capital projects, individuals, lobbying efforts, or startup costs for new organizations.