Michigan Consumer Protection Grants

Youth Service America's (YSA) "We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants" program is designed to empower young changemakers aged 5 to 25. This initiative directly aligns with YSA's mission of engaging youth in service and fostering active citizenship. The grants support organizations, schools, and youth changemakers in planning and implementing service activities that honor and pay tribute to those affected by 9/11. The program emphasizes youth leadership, ensuring that projects are driven by the young participants themselves, thereby developing their leadership skills and sense of community responsibility. The program's target beneficiaries are primarily youth, with a strong focus on engaging those who are not typically asked to serve and face systemic barriers to participation. This includes young people of color, youth from underserved low-income families and neighborhoods, and youth who are often beneficiaries of service rather than participants. Specific groups identified include youth in rural communities, those experiencing homelessness, youth in foster care, youth with disabilities, youth in the juvenile justice system, immigrants or refugees, youth from military families, LGBTQ+ youth, and English language learners. The impact goal is to create a more inclusive service environment and empower a diverse group of young people to contribute to their communities. A key priority of this grant program is the engagement of at least 100 youth volunteers per project, with 80% of these volunteers identifying as youth facing systemic barriers to participation. Projects must include elements to honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, and those who responded in service. All activities must take place on or around September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance (September 11, 2024). This specific timing reinforces the program's focus on remembrance and national service. YSA expects to award up to 100 grants of $1,000 each. The expected outcomes include a significant increase in youth engagement in service, particularly among marginalized groups, and the successful execution of service activities that commemorate 9/11. Measurable results will include the number of grants awarded, the number of youth volunteers engaged, and the percentage of those volunteers who identify as facing systemic barriers. The program also aims to foster a sense of civic duty and historical awareness among participants. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on youth empowerment and inclusive participation in service. YSA's theory of change posits that by providing resources and opportunities, particularly to underserved youth, they can develop leadership skills, strengthen communities, and create a lasting impact. By focusing on youth-led projects and ensuring diverse representation, YSA aims to build a generation of civically engaged individuals who are committed to addressing community needs and remembering significant historical events. Applicants must be based in the United States, with activities benefiting people in the U.S., including its territories. This geographical focus ensures that the grants support local communities across the nation. The emphasis on reaching youth who face systemic barriers aligns with a broader strategic goal of promoting equity and inclusion within the service sector, demonstrating YSA's commitment to a more representative and impactful youth service movement.

The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists (The Bitsie Fund), housed at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, aims to support individual artists in pursuing new work and achieving specific creative and career goals. This aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving community by supporting local talent and development. The fund's focus is on individual artist development, rather than community development, signifying a strategic priority to invest directly in the artistic growth of residents within the Foundation's service area in Greater New Haven. In 2024, The Bitsie Fund will award two $5,000 grants, one specifically for a Black artist and another open to all eligible artists. This targeting reflects a commitment to equitable support within the artistic community and addresses potential disparities. The grant's impact goals are centered on enabling artists to tackle major artistic development goals, take risks on new directions in their work, or advance their careers. The expected outcomes include a more vibrant artistic community with empowered individual artists. The fund prioritizes individual artists at a significant point in their personal development, encouraging both established artists with a substantial body of recent work and those emerging in their field to apply. This inclusive approach to eligibility ensures a broad reach within the artist community. The focus is on supporting a wide array of creative disciplines including dance, music, theater, visual arts, design, craft, literary arts, voice, poetry, playwriting, composition, and film. Measurable results would be evidenced by artists successfully utilizing the funds for approved uses such as purchasing materials, compensating for time spent developing projects, hiring others, covering performance or touring costs, travel for proposals, renting studio space, and production expenses. Ultimately, the Bitsie Fund's theory of change posits that by directly supporting individual artists in these ways, it will contribute to their personal and professional growth, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Greater New Haven.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Michigan-based farm businesses and food distributors, particularly those owned by BIPOC and women, to help them expand operations and improve access to healthy food while promoting economic development and climate resilience.