Shirley Smith Youth Service Fund

The Shirley Smith Youth Service Fund, managed by the Adams County Community Foundation, supports young people ages 14 to 24 in the greater Adams County region in undertaking service projects or mission work. The Adams County Community Foundation, located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a regional philanthropic organization that promotes charitable giving and community development. The foundation is a certified member of the Council on Foundations and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations, and it adheres to the National Standards for Community Foundations. This funding opportunity aims to help youth cover up to 75% of the cost of participating in meaningful service activities. These activities may take place locally, nationally, or internationally and must be overseen by churches, schools, or nonprofit organizations. The projects may involve a broad range of service domains, such as work in hospitals, nursing homes, animal shelters, homeless facilities, or other community spaces. Applicants may also be part of church mission teams or participate in humanitarian outreach. Additionally, funding can support participation in training seminars or conferences that prepare youth for service roles. To be eligible, applicants must be individuals aged 14–24 who reside in or are connected to the greater Adams County area. Their projects must be sponsored by a qualifying organization such as a school, church, or nonprofit. The applicant must also demonstrate initiative and provide a detailed project description, explain their motivation for participating, specify the total cost or participation fee, and outline their plan for securing at least 25% of the funding through other sources. The Foundation only provides “last dollar” support, meaning applicants must first raise their required share before being considered for funding. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Shirley Smith Youth Service Fund Committee. The Foundation distributes grant funds directly to the sponsoring charitable organization rather than to the individual applicant. The review timeline is as follows: applications received from January 1 to March 31 are reviewed by May 1; those received from April 1 to June 30 are reviewed by August 1; July 1 to September 30 applications are reviewed by November 1; and those submitted from October 1 to December 31 are reviewed by February 1 of the following year. Applicants are directed to submit completed applications to the Adams County Community Foundation at 25 South 4th Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325. For additional information, applicants can contact the Foundation via email at [email protected] or by phone at 717-337-0060. The application form is accessible through the Foundation’s website, and applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials carefully to align with the Fund’s requirements. The Adams County Community Foundation underscores its commitment to youth engagement and community service through this targeted opportunity. The Shirley Smith Youth Service Fund reflects the Foundation's mission to invest in the next generation of leaders who demonstrate a commitment to service, empathy, and social responsibility.