Best Youth Services Grants

The John Jordan Foundation Grant is dedicated to enhancing the lives of vulnerable communities through targeted initiatives. With a broad focus on youth empowerment, educational readiness, health, and animal welfare, this grant aims to create lasting positive impacts. Organizations aligned with the Foundation's mission are encouraged to apply for funding to support their vital work. The Foundation prioritizes community needs, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to those who need them the most.

The Minnesota Twins Community Fund, established in 1991, has significantly impacted youth sports in Twins Territory by providing over $24 million in support. Through grants and donations, they empower young athletes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and personal growth. The fund focuses on 501c3 nonprofits in their region, ensuring that initiatives foster both athletic skills and character development. With strict guidelines for donations, the Twins continue to enhance community engagement and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation administers the Kirschner Trusts, established to honor Phil and Roberta Kirschner's philanthropic legacy. These trusts focus on supporting young individuals with disabilities, Muskogee nonprofits, and Jewish causes. Since their transfer to the foundation in 2013, the trusts have continued to provide vital grants to organizations that align with the Kirschners’ values, ensuring their charitable impact persists in the community.

The Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Grants, provided by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, aim to enhance structured programming opportunities for at-risk school-age youth. These grants support local and statewide projects designed to expand out-of-school time (OST) initiatives, thereby fostering a more supportive environment for youth development and engagement. Through these efforts, the BOOST program seeks to address critical needs in communities and promote positive outcomes for participants.

The Jim Moran Foundation Grant supports innovative programs aimed at improving the quality of life for youth and families in Florida. Priority is given to initiatives focused on education, elder care, family strengthening, and youth transitional living. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, and grants are primarily awarded for programs benefiting at-risk and economically disadvantaged individuals in Broward, Palm Beach, and Duval counties. Note: New Letters of Inquiry will not be accepted until January 2, 2026.

About Us

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. The Office enforces the laws of the District, defends and provides legal advice to District government agencies and protects the interests of DC residents. OAG’s goal is to be the nation’s most effective and respected public law office.

Leaders of Tomorrow – Youth Violence Prevention Grant

The Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) is seeking proposals from non-profit Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), interested in operating the Leaders of Tomorrow: Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program to identify and mitigate risk factors associated with youth violence and contribute to the long-term wellbeing and success of young individuals. OAG recognizes the importance of providing financial support to local non-profits dedicated to identifying and mitigating risk factors associated with youth violence. These organizations play a crucial role in developing strategies that align with promising and evidence-based approaches, ultimately contributing to the long-term wellbeing and success of young individuals. OAG will make up to $100,000 in funding per grant per organization available for Fiscal Year 2025. Total grant funding will not exceed $500,000.

The Jewel-Osco Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance neighborhood welfare, focusing on areas like hunger, youth education, and veterans. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $25,000 for first-time applicants. The foundation promotes inclusivity and requires a nondiscrimination policy from applicants. It does not fund individuals, religious organizations for religious purposes, or fundraising events, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful programs. Applications are reviewed monthly, with a response timeframe of 4-6 weeks.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Community and Schools Youth Drug Prevention Program aims to combat youth substance use through comprehensive prevention strategies. This initiative invites applications from states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to develop programs that educate and support youth in schools and community settings. By fostering collaboration with law enforcement and community coalitions, the program seeks to build capacity and implement effective interventions to protect the well-being of American youth.

What Is Kiwanis?

Kiwanis is a global service organization of volunteers committed to improving the lives of children—one community at a time.  Our members take action every day by:

• Sheltering the homeless and supporting families in crisis
• Feeding the hungry and organizing food drives
• Mentoring at-risk youth and empowering young leaders
• Raising funds for pediatric medical research and care
• And much more—all focused on helping children in our communities thrive

All Indiana Kiwanians make up the membership of the Kiwanis Indiana Foundation, Inc. (aka the Indiana District Foundation) The Foundation has 501(c)(3) status.

Grants

The Foundation makes grants to increase the capacity of Indiana District of Kiwanis clubs. It also supports Indiana District of Kiwanis supported projects to respond effectively to the needs of the citizens of the state. In general, the Foundation prefers funding for projects that further the Objects of Kiwanis.

A club may only receive a grant once every two years.

The Foundation’s goal is to provide effective assistance to as many Indiana Kiwanis Clubs as possible. Grant awards will be available from $250- $4,000 and require matching funds on a sliding scale, depending on the amount of therequest. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until the total funds available for the fiscal year are depleted. All clubs will be notified if/when that happens.

What We Fund

It is anticipated that projects receiving grants will involve one of the following categories:

• Youth
• Elderly
• Civic and Community Development
• Health and Human Services

Florida Kiwanis Foundation

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation was created in 1971 by Former Kiwanis Governor Robert Thal. Since 1971, Florida Kiwanis Foundation has been supporting Kiwanis Clubs, Divisions, and students make a real impact in the state of Florida.

Our Purpose: To leave a legacy for the children. We are dedicated to supporting Florida Youth to ensure a brighter future and leave a legacy for the children.

Mission: Help children in need. To enable caring individuals, clubs, and divisions to combine their resources of time, talent, and funds to create a greater impact on the needs of children and families in Florida.

Emergency Grants

The Emergency Grant program is new to the Foundation, established during the 2011-2012 administrative year but based on an older concept that was applied during the time of Hurricane Charley.

The Foundation contributes to the Emergency Fund each year and funds are also collected from private donations designated for “emergency fund” through the year.

In the case of an emergency disaster somewhere in the Florida District of Kiwanis, the Foundation President and the District Governor will meet to confirm the existence of an emergency disaster and then formally declare select areas of the District as a Disaster Area and that funds are available from the Florida Kiwanis Foundation.

Emergency Grant requests shall be sent by club letterhead to the Foundation Office. Maximum requests for funds shall be $2,000.00. Funds will be available until the existing fund is depleted.

The Emergency funds need not be matched by the club and do not need to be for capital improvements. Expenditures for food, clothing, temporary comfort, both physical and emotional are acceptable.

Focused on education and youth programs, this grant provides US $5,000 - US $20,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. for youth initiatives, after-school enrichment, mentoring, and related services. Nonprofits working with youth, especially those facing economic, emotional, or physical disadvantage, may also seek support for community, arts, and educational projects.

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.

Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP)

 The FY 2026 Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP) is being funded to provide in-school and out-of-school youth, ages 16-24, with valuable summer work experiences in order to help them successfully transition to the world of work.

Start Date and End Date of Grant Program:

• April 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026

Funding Amount:

• $8,000,000

Applications must not exceed a maximum cost per participant of $4,160. The cost-per participant is calculated as the total grant funds requested (including administrative costs) divided by the proposed number of participants to be enrolled. Further detail regarding allowable costs can be found in Section H.8.

Final awards are contingent upon State allocation of funds. The applicant’s budget must be well considered, necessary for the implementation of the program, and within the funding parameters. Final amounts will be determined at the time of pre-contract revisions. Ineligible, inappropriate or undocumented costs will be removed from the funding request. SYWEP programs may be considered for a continuance of up to an additional year, contingent upon successful performance of the program/grantees and upon the availability of funds.

Ent Credit Union's YES Grants program supports youth-focused nonprofit organizations in Colorado, having awarded over $1.8 million since 2000. In 2022 alone, $200,000 was distributed to 74 grant recipients from over 160 applications. The program aims to enhance community support for children by providing essential resources such as shelter, food, and educational programs. Selection is made by a committee of Ent team members, ensuring a diverse representation in the decision-making process.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public educational institutions serving children and youth can seek support for education, youth services, healthcare, and human services programs. Youth services organizations can access funding through Oriental Trading Company to enhance academic enrichment, health, and overall well-being for young people in their communities.

The MSDE Home Visiting - Healthy Families Grant Program for FY 26 aims to enhance community-based services for children and families in Maryland. With funding between $55,000 and $350,000, the program focuses on improving childhood well-being, addressing trauma, and promoting economic self-sufficiency through evidence-based home visiting initiatives. This grant supports efforts to bridge racial disparities and foster positive parent-child relationships, ultimately contributing to better maternal health and school readiness outcomes.

The Youth Participation Initiative Program was established in 2009 to provide funding for the purpose of educating children in the areas of hunting, fishing, conservation, and safety. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) encourages applicants to focus on the education, recruitment, or retention of youth in the areas listed above or in any safety issues arising from the areas of hunting, fishing, or conservation.

The Gender-Specific Services Grant, offered by the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, aims to support programs that address the unique challenges faced by girls and gender-expansive youth. This initiative fosters safe, inclusive environments where participants can heal from trauma and build confidence. By promoting trust, creativity, and leadership, the grant seeks to empower young people to connect with role models, express their identities, and envision a brighter future.

The Japanese American Community Foundation Grants support programs for the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. Funding ranges from $2,500 to $50,000 for projects focusing on senior health, history, arts, culture, and youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 public benefit nonprofit organizations. Note that organizations with open grants cannot apply until their current grant is closed. Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before the full proposal.

The Herbert A. and Adrian W. Woods Foundation, founded in 1999, supports charitable organizations primarily in the greater St. Louis area. Funding interests focus on aiding abused children, the poor, the Episcopal Church and its affiliates, arts and culture, animal welfare, and victims of illness. The foundation accepts special project requests, capital campaigns, matching grants, and general operation funding, while multi-year grants and endowment funding are excluded.

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant for Read for Success empowers local organizations to enhance literacy by providing matching funds for books and resources. Since 1966, RIF has partnered with communities to foster a culture of reading among children in need, offering diverse books that reflect their lives. This grant matches local investments dollar-for-dollar, maximizing the impact of funding for educational programs. Eligible applicants include schools and youth-serving organizations across the U.S., supporting children from birth through grade 12.

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 Carls Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing children's welfare in Michigan and preserving natural areas. It supports non-profit organizations that are innovative and effective in their missions. Grant types include capital grants and seed money for multi-year projects. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status. The foundation prioritizes health care programs, recreational opportunities for disadvantaged children, and environmental education, while excluding funding for individuals, endowments, or special events.

Feld Entertainment's Charitable Contributions aim to support children in need through various initiatives. Their donations have significantly impacted organizations like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They offer cash and in-kind contributions to help underserved communities, providing tickets to nonprofit youth organizations and funding educational programs in the performing arts. Employees are encouraged to engage in local charity events, reinforcing the company's commitment to making a difference in the communities they serve.

Florida Kiwanis Foundation

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation was created in 1971 by Former Kiwanis Governor Robert Thal. Since 1971, Florida Kiwanis Foundation has been supporting Kiwanis Clubs, Divisions, and students make a real impact in the state of Florida.

Our Purpose: To leave a legacy for the children. We are dedicated to supporting Florida Youth to ensure a brighter future and leave a legacy for the children.

Mission: Help children in need. To enable caring individuals, clubs, and divisions to combine their resources of time, talent, and funds to create a greater impact on the needs of children and families in Florida.

Annual Service Leadership Grants

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation is honored to support the Florida District of Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs with annual grants for leadership and development training. Please find below information for state administrators.

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation Grants Committee shall review Grant Request and Funding Requests for the next fiscal year annually from the District of Florida Service Leadership Programs.

• The purpose of these funds aligns with the Florida Kiwanis Foundation objectives to support leadership development through support of Kiwanis Service Leadership programs.
• The Grant Request Form is to be completed by the District of Florida Service Leadership Program Administrator on the appropriate Grant Request Form provided by our Executive Director.
• After completion of the form, the administrator will submit the form to our Foundation Office for distribution to the Grant Committee Chair and Grants Committee.
• The Grant Committee Chair and Grants Committee will ensure the current Grant Request Form aligns with the previously presented Funding Request Form projecting required funding for their project and/or program from each Service Leadership Program. Funding Requests Forms are completed by the District of Florida Service Leadership Program Administrators to assist the Florida Kiwanis Foundation assess the projects needs of each program for the next fiscal year. This is a critical element of the Foundation’s budget planning process.

Annual Service Leadership grants vary based on the funding requests submitted by the Service Leadership Program administrators.

The FFLA: Children's Legal Services grant supports legal assistance for needy children in Florida, focusing on areas such as foster care, health benefits, and educational needs. Established by the Florida Bar Foundation in the 1990s, this program encourages local collaboration and matching funds. Grants range from $25,000 to $200,000, aiming to engage private attorneys in pro bono services. Applications for the 2024-25 cycle open from April 1-26.

The CoreCivic Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations that help former offenders, victims of crime, and underserved youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charities with a commitment to measurable outcomes. Preference is given to those with a history of collaboration with CoreCivic and those operating in Tennessee. This grant provides essential resources to enhance the quality of services delivered to these vulnerable populations, fostering rehabilitation and community support.