Carlson Family Foundation Youth Participatory Grantmaking Program

Carlson Family Foundation Youth Participatory Grantmaking Program is sponsored by Carlson Family Foundation. Empowers local youth to influence community investment decisions, funding initiatives addressing education, environmental protection, poverty reduction, and mental health.

Carlson Family FoundationYouth Participatory Grantmaking - Carlson Family Foundation You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. Youth Participatory Grantmaking Youth Participatory Grantmaking (YPG) is one way the Carlson Family Foundation works to ensure that young people have a voice in the decisions that shape their communities.

Through this program, young people participate directly in the grantmaking process. They learn about philanthropy, review grant proposals, and work together to recommend funding for youth-serving organizations in the Twin Cities. The program reflects our commitment to sharing power, strengthening community voice, and learning alongside the young people we serve.

Young people bring critical insight and lived experience to the issues affecting their communities. Their perspectives are essential in shaping investments that support youth and strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem. Youth Participatory Grantmaking recognizes young people as leaders and decision-makers today, not just in the future.

Support youth leadership and community-centered philanthropy by creating meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in decisions about funding that affects their lives and communities. Youth Participatory Grantmaking is designed to create a supportive and engaging environment where young people can learn, collaborate, and lead.

Participants receive orientation and training about: Philanthropy and grantmaking The nonprofit landscape in the Twin Cities The Foundation’s priorities and funding approach Youth reviewers then read and score applications from youth-serving organizations. Through group discussion and collaborative decision-making, participants recommend which organizations should receive funding.

Throughout the process, Foundation staff facilitate conversations and support learning while ensuring that funding decisions remain youth-led. Each year, the program brings together a cohort of youth reviewers.

Participants: Youth ages 13–24 Cohort size: Typically, 4–8 participants Compensation: Participants are paid for their time and contributions Grant size: Microgrants of up to $5,000 Participants review applications individually before coming together for group discussion and final decision-making.

Awards are made to youth-serving nonprofit organizations, expanding connections with community partners and smaller organizations that may be new to the Foundation. Youth Participatory Grantmaking is an ongoing learning journey for the Foundation. Each cohort provides feedback that helps shape future programs.

Over time, this feedback has helped refine the program structure, strengthen participant engagement, and create more opportunities for meaningful youth leadership. The program continues to evolve as we deepen our commitment to being a more community-centered and community-driven foundation. Apply for the 2026 Cohort Applications for the 2026 Youth Participatory Grantmaking cohort are now open.

Interested applicants can learn more about eligibility, time commitments, and program details through the application portal. Application Deadline: April 3, 2026 Program Dates: Begins June 2026 error: Content is protected !!