Local Youth Grants

The Cleveland Foundation is accepting applications for the second round of grants from the Cleveland Neighborhood Safety Fund (CNSF). This fund aims to enhance the safety of all Clevelanders through community-centered violence intervention and prevention strategies, aligning with the Foundation's mission to establish, manage, and implement the NSF. The CNSF is guided by a nine-person advisory committee, including representatives from Cleveland City Council, Cleveland Administration, community leaders, and community members impacted by violence, ensuring a community-driven approach. The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to appropriate up to $1 million to community violence intervention and prevention partners (CVIP) for programs focused on the summer months of June, July, and August 2024, leading into the school year. Target beneficiaries include individuals involved in or at high risk of violence, youth within the justice system, and individuals experiencing violence. The impact goals are to reduce gun violence, divert youth from the justice system, and disrupt the cycle of violence in Cleveland's most affected neighborhoods. Proposals should support organizational capacity building through additional staff, program expansion, and increased outreach. The CNSF prioritizes a data-driven approach to creating safe and healthy neighborhoods, starting with people at the center of serious violence and extending outwards. The fund's strategic priorities include building the capacity of organizations and fostering a network of community providers and system partners. This network relies on skilled workers with a personal understanding of trauma who meet people where they are and form strong relationships. The theory of change involves a mutual commitment from partners of all sizes to engage in a violence prevention ecosystem that honors the interdependency of interventions and organizations to reduce violence. Expected outcomes include a reduction in gun violence through proactive strategies and meaningful relationships, successful diversion of youth from deeper involvement in violence and the juvenile justice system, and a disruption of the cycle of violence through direct interventions. Successful applicants are expected to participate in coordinated efforts with other funded agencies, engage in training and technical assistance for capacity building and fidelity to best practice service models, and participate in evaluation activities to inform continuous improvement and learning within the network. This comprehensive approach aims to achieve measurable results in community safety and well-being.

The Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) Youth Grant Program provides financial assistance to connect underserved youth in Dane County, Wisconsin, aged 17 and under, to sports activities. The program aims to foster lifelong enjoyment and health benefits through sports, aligning with MASC's broader mission to promote healthy lifestyles and combat childhood obesity. Established with contributions from the Ironman Community Foundation, individuals, corporations, and annual fundraisers, the grant program is a key initiative of MASC to serve its community. The primary target beneficiaries are Dane County youth, aged 17 and under, who are from populations underserved by existing sports programs. The program's impact goals are to assist children in developing healthy lifestyles by introducing them to sports that match their interests and abilities. This includes combating childhood obesity, creating positive emotional connections, and instilling commitment and daily structure in their lives. Key priorities and focuses for grant consideration include ensuring the child or children served are Dane County residents, aged 17 and under, and from underserved populations. MASC also prioritizes a mutual commitment between the sports program and individuals, and considers a broad scope of sports, including "minor" and individual sports. The quality of the sports program and the alignment of individuals with a suitable sport are crucial. Consideration is also given to the number of people impacted, the non-duplication of efforts, and the potential for program growth and quality maintenance. Transportation requests and capital construction (under specific conditions) are also considered. Expected outcomes include increased participation of underserved youth in sports, leading to the development of healthy lifestyles, improved physical and emotional well-being, and enhanced commitment and daily structure. The program's success is measured by the reach of the grant application, the growth and quality of participating sports programs, and the ability of the programs to meet the interests and abilities of the youth. MASC's strategic priority is to create sustainable opportunities for youth development through sports, with a theory of change centered on the idea that access to appropriate sports activities directly contributes to healthier, more engaged youth in the community.

The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program, a collaboration between the City of New Orleans and the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is designed to empower young individuals aged 15-24 to address urgent climate challenges within their community. This initiative is part of a larger effort supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, aiming to activate youth-led projects that align with the New Orleans Climate Action Plan. The program's core mission is to foster environmental stewardship and facilitate tangible climate solutions at a grassroots level, thereby directly contributing to the city's broader environmental goals. The primary beneficiaries of this micro-grant program are youth between the ages of 15-24 residing in Orleans Parish, whose projects are intended to directly benefit the City of New Orleans. The program seeks to engage and mobilize this demographic, providing them with the financial resources and support necessary to translate their innovative ideas into impactful climate action. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a new generation of environmental leaders and to implement effective, youth-led initiatives that tackle critical climate issues within the community. Projects funded through the YCAF Micro-Grant Program must align with one or more of the New Orleans Climate Action Plan priorities. These key areas of focus include Energy Efficiency, Transportation, Nature-Based Solutions, Circular Economy & Waste Reduction, and Data, Research & Engagement. This ensures that all supported initiatives contribute to the city's established climate strategy, maximizing their collective impact. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear objectives and a strong potential for achieving measurable results in these critical areas. Successful applicants will receive micro-grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, distributed through the Greater New Orleans Foundation in August/September 2024. These funds can be utilized for various project-related expenses, such as materials, equipment, and community outreach activities. The expected outcomes include the successful implementation of diverse youth-led climate projects, increased community engagement in climate action, and a measurable reduction in environmental impact across the specified priority areas. While the document does not explicitly detail the Greater New Orleans Foundation's strategic priorities or theory of change, its partnership in this program strongly indicates an alignment with community development, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.

The Summer Meals Capacity-Building Mini-Grants program, funded by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aims to significantly increase the number of children and youth in the City of Rochester who receive summer meals, as well as extend the duration of meal service. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by addressing critical community needs, specifically food insecurity among youth in a designated high-need area. The federally funded Summer Meals program (Summer Food Service Program) ensures that children 18 and under, particularly those near schools with high free and reduced meal eligibility rates, continue to receive nutritious food when school is not in session. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children and youth aged 18 and under within the City of Rochester, a city designated as a high-need area. The program specifically targets those who would otherwise lack access to consistent meals during the summer months. The impact goals are to enhance the capacity of Summer Meals sites to serve more children and to offer meals for a greater number of days. By providing essential nourishment, the program contributes to the overall well-being and health of Rochester's youth, helping to mitigate the "summer slide" in nutrition and academic readiness. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. This includes supporting the hiring of a Summer Meals Volunteer Coordinator or supplemental staff to boost site capacity. It also focuses on one-time capital purchases such as tables, chairs, coolers, and other refrigeration/dining equipment to expand service capabilities. Furthermore, the grant encourages one-time capital purchases of equipment or supplies that promote physical activity and fun, thereby enticing more youth to participate and increasing the overall reach of the program. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the total number of children and youth served by the Summer Meals program and an expansion in the number of days meals are provided. While specific quantitative targets are not detailed, the grant's focus on capacity building inherently aims for a measurable increase in program reach and service duration. The funding information indicates grants of up to $15,000, which will facilitate these capacity-building efforts. The eligibility criteria emphasize partnerships with existing Summer Meals sponsors (City of Rochester, Rochester City School District, or Foodlink) or organizations with LEA status, ensuring alignment with established food service networks. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to addressing equity and supporting youth in the community, with a clear theory of change that by strengthening the infrastructure and staffing of summer meal programs, more children will have access to vital food resources.

City of Chandler Diversity Education Mini-Grants are available for teachers, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups in Chandler or serving Chandler residents or students. The grants, up to $1,000 each, aim to support programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for youth aged 5-18. Proposals must address dimensions of diversity such as age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Priority is given to K-12 education projects. Applications will be reviewed by the HRC Diversity Mini-Grant Committee based on their alignment with the city's DEI mission and clear budget proposals.

This grant provides funding to neighborhoods in Surprise, Arizona, for community-driven projects and events that foster engagement, improvement, and collaboration among residents.

The City of Vancouver's Community and Neighborhood Grants Program aims to foster stronger community connections, encourage partnerships among groups, and empower residents to take meaningful action within their community. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of civic engagement and local empowerment, providing financial support to grassroots efforts that enhance the social fabric of Vancouver. The program is designed to be accessible to various community-led initiatives, from small-scale events to larger, ongoing programs that address specific neighborhood needs and opportunities. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries within the Vancouver city limits or urban growth area, including residents, community-based organizations, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, clubs, parent-teacher groups, and informal collaboratives. The primary impact goals are to build community, facilitate collaboration, and enable residents to lead positive change. By supporting a diverse array of projects, the program seeks to improve overall community well-being, promote inclusivity, and enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly in historically underserved areas. The program prioritizes projects and initiatives that strengthen community connections, encourage partnerships, and empower residents. Funding is divided into two levels: Level One Microgrants, offering up to $500 for smaller events like block parties, cultural celebrations, or arts activities, and Level Two Grants, providing up to $10,000 for larger-scale projects and ongoing programs such as after-school programs, neighborhood beautification, safety improvements, or food assistance. A key focus is on improving equity, accessibility, and inclusion, ensuring that the grants reach a broad spectrum of community needs. Expected outcomes include more vibrant and connected neighborhoods, increased resident participation in community affairs, and the successful implementation of projects that address local challenges. Measurable results could include the number of community members engaged, the diversity of partnerships formed, the successful completion of projects, and the demonstrated positive impact on target beneficiaries. The program's strategic priority is to invest directly in community-led solutions, operating under the theory of change that by empowering local groups and residents with financial resources, sustainable and impactful community development will naturally follow, leading to a more resilient and inclusive Vancouver.

The City of Burien offers the Burien Neighborhood Grants Program to support resident initiated projects that improve quality of life, build community, and create lasting public benefits. The program encourages participation from youth groups, neighborhood associations, and informal groups of neighbors. The city may provide up to 5,000 dollars per project, to be matched by volunteer labor, donated materials, professional services, or additional funds. Eligible projects include tree planting and maintenance, minor park or trailhead improvements, environmental or sustainability projects, public amenities such as benches or markers, and community based events that foster neighbor connections. Projects must be designed for low maintenance and provide broad public access and benefit. Projects must be located within Burien city limits and involve at least two residents from separate households. Applicants must demonstrate neighborhood support, obtain approvals from adjacent property owners as needed, involve residents in all phases, and meet project completion timelines and permitting requirements. Projects must be on publicly accessed property and be free and open to the public. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the City of Burien.

The City of Philadelphia's Community Resilience and Environmental Justice (CREJ) Fund is offering $15,000 grants to 20 Philadelphia-based organizations working on long-term environmental justice projects, with the aim to support grassroots activism, community resilience, and the removal of environmental injustices.

The Gratiot County Community Foundation in Michigan is accepting grant applications for projects that improve the quality of life in Gratiot County, focusing on areas such as community development, arts and culture, education, and health, with preference given to innovative, sustainable projects with wide-reaching benefits and strong local support.

This funding opportunity provides up to $1 million over two years to local nonprofits in Summit County for collaborative projects that address housing, mental health, and public safety while promoting diversity and sustainable community impact.

The Community Foundation's Impact Grant program offers broad support for various purposes, including field of interest and special purpose funds, as well as assistance for individuals served by nonprofits or government agencies. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address diverse community needs within Frederick County, Maryland, by providing flexible funding to a wide array of organizations. The target beneficiaries for these grants are the residents of Frederick County, Maryland, who benefit directly from the programs and services offered by eligible organizations. The impact goals are to improve various sectors including health and human services, historic preservation, the arts, agriculture, civic causes, animal well-being, education, and youth programs. By supporting these areas, the foundation aims to foster a stronger, more vibrant, and healthier community. The program prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a direct benefit to Frederick County. Eligible applicants include existing 501c3 nonprofit organizations, government/quasi-governmental agencies seeking funding for extraordinary projects not covered by tax revenue, religious organizations requesting support for non-sectarian activities, and civic groups that are not 501c3s but are working on community causes. The minimum grant request is $500, with grants typically being less than $1000 and lasting for a one-year duration. Expected outcomes include enhanced service delivery in critical areas, preservation of cultural assets, promotion of civic engagement, and improved well-being for individuals and animals in Frederick County. The foundation's strategic priorities are to provide accessible funding that supports a broad spectrum of community needs, ensuring that a diverse range of organizations can access resources to implement impactful programs. This approach reflects a theory of change where strategic investments in key community areas, through diverse and capable organizations, lead to significant and lasting positive change for the residents of Frederick County. Grants must be used between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.

This funding opportunity supports not-for-profit organizations in Broome County that are working to address critical community issues and promote systemic change through collaborative efforts.

This funding opportunity supports urban youth agricultural education and community development initiatives in Minnesota's urban and peri-urban areas, benefiting a range of organizations including nonprofits, schools, and local governments.

This program provides funding to neighborhood associations in Sioux Falls for community projects that improve livability and encourage resident engagement.

The Women’s Fund through Stark Community Foundation in Ohio offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations serving women and children in Stark County, focusing on economic stability, mental health support, and neighborhood-based programming.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to Provincetown residents, particularly those with low to moderate income, in areas such as mental health, family support, housing, and services for marginalized communities.

This grant provides financial support to individuals, artists, and community organizations in Worcester County to develop projects in the arts, humanities, and sciences that enhance the cultural landscape and benefit local residents.

The City of Bowie's Community Outreach Committee (COC) offers funding to individuals and organizations that implement programs designed to meet the needs of City of Bowie residents. This grant aligns with the City's mission to enhance community well-being by supporting initiatives in critical areas such as physical and mental health, social and human services, youth, senior citizens, diversity, community-centered programs, and cultural education. The City of Bowie acts as the donor, strategically investing in local programs to foster a healthier, more inclusive, and educated community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are underserved residents of the incorporated City of Bowie. The program aims to address various community needs, including improving health outcomes, providing essential social and human services, supporting youth and senior populations, promoting diversity, and advancing community and cultural education. The impact goal is to create a tangible, positive change in the lives of City residents by empowering individuals and organizations to deliver targeted and effective services. The COC grant program prioritizes initiatives that directly benefit City of Bowie residents. While applicants do not need to be City residents themselves, programs should ideally be conducted within the incorporated City to maximize reach and impact among the target population. This focus ensures that the funding directly addresses local challenges and opportunities for improvement. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to vital services, improved quality of life for residents, and a more engaged and educated community. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information beyond the funding structure, the grant's competitive selection process suggests an emphasis on effective program delivery. This reimbursable grant model, requiring receipts for funded items, ensures accountability and demonstrates the City's commitment to responsible resource allocation. The City of Bowie's strategic priority through the COC grant is to foster a strong, supportive, and resilient community. By offering up to $5,000 per grant, with $30,000 available annually, the City employs a theory of change that posits that targeted financial support for community-focused programs will directly lead to improved social conditions and overall well-being for its residents. This approach underscores the City's role as an active partner in community development and resident welfare.

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is offering a Starter Fund Grant Program, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, for small community organizations and groups focusing on advancing an equitable and sustainable local food system within Seattle, with eligible activities including food justice initiatives, community organizing, food-related job training, and more.