Community-led Youth Development Grant

The Carolyn Foundation has supported youth-serving organizations in New Haven, Connecticut for more than fifty years. Beginning in 2020, the foundation refined its grantmaking to focus more narrowly on youth development programming for underrepresented youth ages 13 to 18, corresponding to grades 7 through 12. This grantmaking focus was developed based on feedback from community stakeholders, including school leaders, city representatives, and other funders. Through this initiative, Carolyn Foundation aims to deepen and expand the quality and accessibility of youth development resources across the city. The New Haven Youth Development grant opportunity takes a dual-path approach. It provides funding to two distinct categories: core partners and community-led youth development organizations. Core partners are established, high-performing youth development organizations that serve large numbers of youth and offer comprehensive programming. These partners are eligible for general operating support and may receive two years of rapid renewal funding based on their performance and annual reports. After three years, core partners must submit a new full application to be considered for continued support. The second funding path supports community-led organizations—entities led by individuals who reflect the demographics and lived experiences of the youth they serve. These groups often operate on smaller budgets and may be less familiar with traditional foundation funding channels. Carolyn Foundation seeks to elevate such organizations, recognizing their unique ability to form strong connections with youth and address specific, unmet needs. Successful applicants from this category may be invited to apply as core partners in future cycles, although this invitation does not guarantee funding. The foundation prioritizes programs that incorporate research-based best practices in youth development. Ideal programs will offer culturally relevant, high-dosage experiences; emphasize relationship building between youth and well-trained, stable adult mentors; support youth voice and empowerment; and offer long-term continuity through adolescence. Organizations must be based in or primarily serve youth in New Haven, Connecticut. Community-led applicants should have annual budgets around $1 million or less. The application portal for the 2025 grant cycle will open on June 15, 2025, and the final application deadline is August 15, 2025. Proposals will be reviewed between September and December 2025, with grants distributed in January 2026. This grant opportunity is competitive, and funding amounts range from $5,000 to $20,000 for one-year project support. No matching requirement is stated. The application process includes an online submission form, which becomes accessible on the stated open date. Inquiries regarding the New Haven Youth Development grant opportunity can be directed to Becky Erdahl, Executive Director of the Carolyn Foundation. While a specific email or phone number was not included in the available materials, all grantmaking information can be found through the foundation’s website.