Youth Initiative

The Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation’s Youth Initiative supports new or newly expanded direct service programs focused on youth aged 14 to 21 who have experienced trauma from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The Initiative’s overarching goal is to promote resilience, stability, and psycho-social health in these young individuals through therapeutic services and trauma-informed practices. The Foundation is deeply committed to holistic, evidence-based approaches that strengthen the relationship between youth and significant adults in their lives. Eligible programs must be new or in their first year of implementation and go beyond immediate crisis intervention, instead focusing on sustained psycho-social development. The programs should include therapeutic interventions, support trauma-informed staff training, and be designed to measure impact through quantitative and/or qualitative indicators. Additionally, the Foundation favors projects that actively engage youth in program design, collaborate across disciplines, and provide support for historically underserved populations such as BIPOC youth, LGBTQ youth, refugees, and those involved with state systems. The Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation awards approximately five new Youth Initiative grants annually, with an average grant size of $30,000. While initial grants are for a single year, the Foundation is open to continuing support for up to three years, contingent on successful annual reviews and renewal applications. Applicants should consider long-term program sustainability beyond the funding period. Only 501(c)(3) organizations based in the United States are eligible to apply. Fiscal sponsorships are accepted with appropriate documentation demonstrating direct fiscal and programmatic oversight. Applications from fiscal agents are not permitted. Programs focused solely on emergency services, capital projects, or general operating support are excluded from consideration. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) via the Foundation’s AkoyaGO online portal. For the 2026 cycle, LOI submissions will be capped at 150; drafts not submitted before the limit is reached will not be accepted. The LOI window opens April 1 and closes April 22 (or earlier if the submission cap is reached). Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal, with applications due by July 26. Final funding decisions are communicated by November 30, and disbursements occur by December 31. Key contacts include Larry Dressler, Program Consultant (303-506-3127), for content-related inquiries, and Jon Kleist ([email protected]) for portal or technical questions. Full program guidelines and application materials are accessible via the Foundation’s website.

Programs should align tightly with guidelines to avoid disqualification. Ensure trauma-informed practices and plans for outcome evaluation are clearly documented. Highlight relationships between youth and significant adults.