Best Grants for Youth Programs

The CDC's National Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention (YVPCs) aim to expand the evidence base for preventing youth violence among individuals aged 10 to 24. This initiative supports rigorous evaluations of prevention approaches, community engagement, and training for early career researchers. By establishing partnerships and focusing on communities with above-average youth violence rates, the YVPCs seek to enhance collaborative efforts and effectively disseminate research findings to inform future prevention strategies.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

We the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are the most diverse confederation of Tribes and Bands on a single reservation in the United States. Our ancestors spoke 10 completely different languages, each of which had multiple dialects. Our ancestors brought with them deep connections to more than 20 million acres of ancestral territory combined, including all of Western Oregon from the summit of the Cascade mountains to the Pacific and extending into what’s now SW Washington State and northern California. Our ancestors signed many treaties with the United States. We were promised the 1.1 million acres Siletz Reservation as our permanent home, but following massive reservation reductions Congress passed the Western Oregon Termination Act in 1954 (took effect in 1956), and our federally recognized status as a tribe was also taken. In 1977 our lobbying of Congress to repeal our Termination was successful, and we became the second formerly Terminated Tribe to regain federal recognition as a Tribe.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

NWIHA – Youth Scholarship Program

Scholarship applications will be reviewed to meet the following minimum eligibility before any further review of the application will be done.

• Applicant must either have an application pending or a letter of acceptance from a higher education institution such as a four (4) year college or a two (2) year community college prior to the funds being sent to the higher educational institution.
• Applicant must be less than twenty four (24) years old on the deadline submission date.
• Applicant must be an enrolled member from one of the NWIHA member Tribes.
• Payments are made directly to the school, organization, etc. and not to the Applicant or their families.
• All of these items must be postmarked on or before March 31st of each year, or the Application will be automatically rejected.
• Faxed applications will NOT be accepted.
• All Applications become the property of NWIHA. NWIHA reserves the right to publish essays.

Mission: The Stamm Koechlein Family Foundation actively serves the communities of our board members, especially Richmond, Indiana and the surrounding areas. We support non-profit community organizations that enhance the vitality of the community, especially for young people.

Our goal is to build, strengthen, and sustain community life by bringing opportunity to youth.

The members of SKFF believe in the importance of their own family ties. By creating a common purpose, we hope to bring our geographically dispersed family members together in the mission of philanthropic giving as well as to create a legacy of generosity.

The Grant: 

• SKFF is most interested in programs and organizations that are highly respected within their communities and can demonstrate volunteer and financial support from the community.
• We wish to partner with organizations to bring about meaningful change in Richmond.
• SKFF is interested in organizations and programs that fit within our mission to build family values and create assets for the community. We believe that assets are not just buildings but the people residing within the community.
• Our goal is to support programs that help young people achieve their highest potential to become contributing citizens within their communities.
• We encourage and support collaboration among our grantees to maximize resources in sustaining programs and achieving outcomes.

The Youth 90-Day Emergency Shelter and Case Management Services grant aims to enhance year-round shelter options for youth aged 18-24 facing housing crises in the District. This initiative will provide a comprehensive array of services, including meals, case management, health and wellness support, and workforce development, to empower young individuals towards stability and independent living. The project seeks to connect youth with essential resources and create a supportive environment for their growth and well-being.

Charlottesville Area Community Foundation

We are committed to centering the experiences of those who are most impacted by the issues our region faces, and to widening access to our resources (both monetary and non-monetary) to ensure they are distributed equitably.

Our Mission

As a community-centered, equity forward institution, our mission is to improve the quality of life for those negatively impacted by inequitable systems across our region, so that we can be a region in which everyone can belong, participate, contribute, and thrive.

Enrichment Alliance of Virginia – Positive Behavioral Support

The Enrichment Alliance of Virginia, a committee-advised fund, is accepting proposals for funding up to $2,500 for trainings and other services to strengthen out-of-school time programs’ abilities to support positive behavior and safely de-escalate disruptive behaviors.

The purpose of this grant is to improve the programs’ capacity to include children with behavioral challenges while making sure that ALL children have positive camp or after-school experiences.

Impact Grants Clinton County

This opportunity invites you to pursue a bold, high-impact initiative that could significantly strengthen outcomes for our communities. 

The Clinton County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the release of its Impact Grant Opportunity. This one-time, competitive funding opportunity is designed to support nonprofit organizations delivering impactful projects and services within Clinton County, Indiana. Funding may support new or existing initiatives that strengthen the community and address a broad range of local priorities.

Clinton County Community Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of Clinton County. This grant program reflects our belief that community challenges are best addressed through strategic investment in nonprofit partners who understand the needs of local residents and have the operational capacity to implement meaningful, sustainable solutions. We invite those nonprofit partners to submit proposals through this opportunity for impact. Proposals should describe how the project will address priority areas, serve Clinton County residents, be implemented effectively, and sustain long-term impact when possible. We also encourage multi-agency partnerships that tackle complex challenges through shared resources, leadership, and vision.

HLP Hamakua Community Foundation Grants

The Foundation will provide special community service grants to support research or community-based projects, programs, or other activities ("the activity") which result in the improvement of the economic, cultural, and social welfare of the communities in the Hamakua District. These grants will be made from time to time, and not necessarily on an annual basis, although the Foundation intends to make such grants available annually.

The following are possible examples of the kinds of projects that the Selection Committee would be willing to consider in accordance with the foregoing criteria: economic development and business formation projects, cultural and education projects aimed at increasing public awareness and knowledge of the Hamakua District's historical and cultural heritage, projects to support the formation or strengthening of community youth organizations (e.g., Girls and Boys Scouts), projects to support job fairs and other employment opportunities, etc.

About Us

Interact for Health works so that people in our region are healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live. We advance health justice by tackling the root causes of unfair systems, amplifying community power and partnering with trust.

Responsive Fund

The goal of the Responsive Fund RFP is to address immediate, emerging, or unanticipated needs within the community, recognizing that opportunities to build resilience require dedicated funding.

2) In-Kind Support for Sustainability Consultations and Capacity Building

Participants in this program will receive 1:1 consulting services tailored to an organization’s identified needs. Interact for Health will work with local consultants and community partners based on needs shared by grantee organizations.

Examples of needs include the following:

• Scenario planning  
• Legal support 
• Sustainability and development planning and implementation
• Diversified funding strategies and implementation
• Exploring collaboration, partnerships/alliances, shared services, and/or mergers
• Strategic planning and revisions 

Sustainability Consultations will include up to 30 hours of 1:1 support and will begin in late 2026. 

About Us

Interact for Health works so that people in our region are healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live. We advance health justice by tackling the root causes of unfair systems, amplifying community power and partnering with trust.

Responsive Fund

The goal of the Responsive Fund RFP is to address immediate, emerging, or unanticipated needs within the community, recognizing that opportunities to build resilience require dedicated funding.

Grant Funding for Critical Services – Sustaining Civic Infrastructure: Total investment up to $1.5 million  

This funding supports the continuity of critical community infrastructure and services by addressing the time-sensitive operational and programmatic needs. Proposals for funding should focus on critical gaps or unmet needs with deep ties to community relationships. Organizations should demonstrate readiness to deploy resources quickly if funding is provided. This RFP will prioritize funding organizations essential to advancing health justice and youth well-being among our priority populations. Grants are available at three levels: $50,000, $75,000, or $100,000 for general operating or programmatic support.

WFM Community Impact Project Grants

Community Impact Project Grants are project grants available to nonprofits for up to $5,000. No financial match is required, however, projects demonstrating community support will be prioritized.

Community Impact Grants will support projects in the following categories: Placemaking, Children and Families, and Community Partnerships.

Placemaking

Examples include, but are not limited to: Projects that can demonstrate outcomes that contribute to increased livability, projects that focus on the activation of underutilized spaces such as beautification, trail improvements, tactical urbanism, blight removal, or other project-based creative interventions to transform public spaces or increase public dialog about the built environment, community vibrancy, local storytelling or quality of life.

Children and Families

Examples include but are not limited to: Projects that support reading and childhood literacy, programs that increase opportunities to connect children and families with physical, mental or financial health resources, projects that increase access to clean water for children and families at high risk for lead and other contaminants. Other examples include projects that prioritize prevention, early intervention and programs that can demonstrate the ability to measure impact related to children and families within CFM’s 22 county service area. 

Community Partnerships

Projects that specifically focus on collaborative projects between two or more cross-sector or nonprofit partnerships. Examples might include but are not limited to: Projects that take a collaborative approach to address or advance an issue important to their community such as support for community visioning, charettes and asset mapping, or to support inclusive stakeholder convenings. CFM seeks to support programs that can demonstrate their intention for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) as it relates to project participation. Therefore, grant support may also include projects that lead to positive community change, positive civic engagement, and increasing community voice.

Michigan Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Mini Grant 

SRTS is an international movement that makes it safe, convenient, and fun for students to walk, roll, and bike to school. The Michigan SRTS program is managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation with support provided by the Michigan Fitness Foundation, and seeks to:

• Enable and encourage students in grades K-12 to walk and bicycle to school.
• Make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation choice, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age.
• Facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of elementary and middle schools.

Funding

Applicants are eligible to receive up to $15,000 per school, with a maximum of $120,000 per applicant for 8 or more schools. At least $7,500/school should be set aside for a Program Coordinator and/or personnel work.  The grants are intended to support active transportation programs to and from school.

The Tulsa Area United Way's Social Innovations Grant provides one-time funding for 501(c)(3) organizations to test innovative ideas that enhance services, improve internal capacity, and address community gaps. It aims to support proposals that are creative, impactful, and focus on key areas like Youth Opportunity and Community Resiliency. This competitive grant also prioritizes applications addressing significant inequities and those that seek to learn and grow from the proposed activities.

The Youth Homelessness System Improvement Illinois Prevention Pilot aims to amplify the voices of youth and young adults (ages 18-24) in state governance while addressing youth homelessness. This initiative focuses on enhancing discharge planning, establishing partnerships with community organizations, improving assessment systems, and ensuring equitable responses to youth homelessness. By prioritizing youth leadership and collaboration, the program seeks to create sustainable solutions for at-risk youth, particularly those facing unique challenges such as being pregnant, parenting, or identifying as LGBTQIA.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

The Harold T. Southern Family Foundation Grant, established in 2014, honors Harold and Mildred Southern, promoting education and environmental conservation in North and South Carolina. The foundation supports tennis youth programs and protects natural resources in Western North Carolina. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Applications focus on environmental initiatives, ensuring a healthier lifestyle for future generations while fostering a love for nature and community engagement through sports.

The Youth Unplanned Pregnancy Prevention Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland, aims to address the significant issue of teen pregnancy in the area, which ranks fifth highest in Maryland. With a focus on empowering parents and providing educational resources, this fund supports programs that target youth and unplanned pregnancies. Grants of $600 are suggested, but flexibility exists to accommodate varying needs, ensuring impactful community engagement in preventing teen pregnancy.

The Benjamin A. Black Charitable Trust for Children provides essential support to economically deprived children in central Nebraska. Established in 1990, it honors Benjamin A. Black's legacy by funding programs that offer necessities and joy, such as Christmas gifts. Grants are targeted towards public charities that directly benefit children, with a focus on areas outside Omaha and Lincoln. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of March 31 for annual review.

The Tom and Helen Tonkin Foundation Grant supports charitable, educational, and religious organizations that benefit the youth of Wyoming, particularly those in Casper facing challenges due to illness, injury, or poverty. Annually, the foundation awards 5 to 15 grants ranging from $2,000 to $50,000, with a preference for local organizations. This initiative aims to empower young individuals aged 6-21 by providing essential resources and support.

The Paula Steinebach Trust Grant aims to provide essential support to underprivileged and deserving children in Philadelphia. Established from the will of Ms. Steinebach, the trust distributes grants to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations focused on care, education, and recreation. With an average grant size ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, the foundation emphasizes equitable support for children of both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds, ensuring a lasting impact in the community.

The Project Play WNY Winter Free Play Series Grant aims to provide youth across all eight counties of Western New York with opportunities for fun and engaging play activities in 2026. This grant supports local organizations, including non-profits and schools, that serve children aged 5-14, encouraging community involvement and healthy recreation.

The Developing Agency, Identity, and Belonging In Young People Grants aim to empower BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and other marginalized youth by creating safe spaces that foster community and belonging. This funding supports programs focused on developing identity, agency, and resilience, helping young people navigate challenges. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $250,000 over two years, prioritizing culturally responsive and inclusive initiatives that actively involve youth in program development.

The Caroline J. S. Sanders Trust 1 Grant, established in 1968, aims to support charitable causes with a focus on education, social welfare, and training for the handicapped. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $15,000, with a preference for organizations based in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations. The trust does not fund endowments, general operating expenses, or political support, making it a valuable resource for community-focused initiatives.

The Foundation for Health Equity (F4HE) is dedicated to addressing systemic health inequities in Northwest Philadelphia. Through strategic partnerships, they empower organizations to tackle issues like food insecurity and promote healthy aging. Grants are available for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in specific zip codes, supporting both immediate needs and systemic change. F4HE emphasizes advocacy, community engagement, and sustainable health solutions to foster vibrant neighborhoods where everyone can achieve optimal health.

The Robert E. Herman Charitable Trust focuses on enhancing the lives of North Dakota residents, particularly children and students, while also improving end-of-life care. It supports organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, with a strong emphasis on education, health, and human services. The trust has no specific program limitations but prioritizes initiatives that align with its mission to foster community well-being and opportunity.

The Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant aims to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries through voluntary grants. Focused on enhancing the welfare and quality of life for children and youth, this foundation perpetuates the charitable intentions of the Jordan family. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with these values and objectives, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The McMillen Foundation Grants Program supports research in cardiology, lipids, and organ transplant, along with educational initiatives and social services in Washington and Alaska. With a single grant cycle annually, nonprofits certified under 501(c)(3) can apply for funding, preferably those benefiting children and promoting equity. The foundation emphasizes programs that leverage the arts to foster social change, impacting youth and disadvantaged communities. Applications must be submitted by July 31 to be considered for the current cycle.

The Carlos Huelga Surf Scholarship, established in memory of Carlos Huelga, supports aspiring young surfers who need financial assistance for surf camp. This initiative encourages a lifelong passion for surfing, fostering skills and confidence among youth. Interested applicants should visit the Ryan Family YMCA Welcome Center for more information. The scholarship aims to honor Carlos's legacy while empowering the next generation of surfers in a supportive environment.