The Rapides Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2025 Youth Volunteer Summer Service Grant, which supports the implementation of the My Civic Life program’s community service club component. This initiative promotes youth leadership, fosters lifelong volunteerism, and helps students build critical 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and project planning. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to nonprofits, municipalities, and community-based organizations operating within the Foundation’s nine-parish service area.
The My Civic Life program uses the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) model, a nationally recognized framework designed to meet community needs through rewarding and educational service projects. The program connects youth, schools, and nonprofits to service opportunities and encourages participants to develop leadership skills and a commitment to community engagement. To date, the program has involved over 1,700 students who have completed more than 27,000 hours of community service.
The grant term runs from May 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025, and applicants must commit to completing all required activities, including attending a one-day, in-person training on the YVC model at The Rapides Foundation building. All activities funded by the grant must occur within the service area, and organizations with existing youth programming or experience working with youth are encouraged to apply.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, municipalities, or community-based entities that are not private foundations under Section 509(a). Applicants are required to submit supporting documentation, including a Youth Protection Policy, IRS Form 990, Board of Directors member list, and a completed Summer Service Signature Page, through the Foundation’s online portal.
The application deadline is Friday, January 17, 2025, by 1:00 PM CT, and all documents must be uploaded before this time. Notifications of selection will be issued by March 10, 2025.
