FUNDamental Futures: Skillman Youth Council Grant Applications

FUNDamental Futures: Skillman Youth Council Grant Applications is sponsored by The Skillman Foundation. The Skillman Youth Council is accepting grant applications from Detroit-based and/or Detroit-serving organizations offering afterschool programming to middle and high school-aged youth focused on mental health (wellness, awareness, resources).

The Skillman Foundation | FUNDamental Futures: Skillman Youth Council Grant Applications Open | The Skillman Foundation FUNDamental Futures: Skillman Youth Council Grant Applications Open | The Skillman Foundation Listen to our podcast: Our State of Education FUNDamental Futures: Skillman Youth Council Grant Applications Open by: The Skillman Foundation | Mar.

25th, 2026 The Skillman Youth Council (SYC) is now accepting grant applications from Detroit-based and/or Detroit-serving organizations offering afterschool programming to middle and high school-aged youth focused on one or more of the following: Academic Support (For example: tutoring) Mentorship (For example: supportive role models, community connections, etc.) Mental Health (For example: wellness, awareness, resources, etc.) These three areas were identified by the SYC as areas that are fundamental to supporting youth by building their confidence and resourcing them to explore their own unique passions.

While all Detroit-based and/or Detroit-serving organizations offering afterschool programming to the above areas will be considered, the SYC is particularly interested in programs that also: Provide continuous engagement across key youth transitions (For example: middle school to high school, high school to post-secondary career, or opportunities to hold leadership positions) Take a holistic approach to supporting youth (For example: resources related to basic needs, wraparound support, etc.) In the past, Skillman Youth Council grant amounts have ranged from $5,000 to $20,000, with an average of $10,000.

There are some eligibility requirements to keep in mind before you consider applying for an SYC grant. Your organization must: Be a 501(c)(3) publicly supported charity with a designation of 509(a)(1)* *Please note: use of a fiscal sponsor or fiduciary is permitted.

Be based in Detroit or serve Detroit youth In policy and practice, offer opportunity and service to all, regardless of age, race, creed, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and ethnicity How the Youth Council Developed the Fund This grant fund and its priorities were developed through a process of learning, listening, and reflection, starting with building a shared understanding of how grantmaking can be a powerful tool for change.

Council members participated in a focus group facilitated by the SYC Grantmaking and Research Committees, where they reflected on their lived experiences in education and identified common challenges, needs, and opportunities facing young people in Detroit. The Research Committee then reviewed community research data to better understand and validate the themes that emerged.

Through this process, the council identified guiding values that helped shape their priority areas: Active Listening, Collaboration, and Presence Resilience and Fulfillment Council members worked with staff to develop the grant application, scoring rubric, outreach materials, and group decision-making approaches. Applications will be reviewed by the Council members using a combination of rubric scoring and group discussion.

The Council will develop its recommendations for grant awards, with final approval provided by our President & CEO. Grant award notifications will go out in August 2026. While the SYC adult advisors support the process, decision-making power for the grant recommendations ultimately lies with the Council members.

Thank you for your interest in the Skillman Youth Council’s FUNDamental Futures grants. This application is now closed. Grant award notifications will go out in August 2026 Questions?

Please reach out to SYC adult advisor, Mikala Cox, mcox@skillman. org The Skillman Foundation is a grantmaking organization established in 1960 by Rose Skillman. We have granted out more than $730 million and have served as a vocal advocate to strengthen K-12 education, afterschool programming, child-centered neighborhoods, youth and community leadership, and racial equity and justice.

We are in the process of developing a new strategic framework, co-designed with Detroit youth and their champions. Carmen Carter - https://www. nmadetroit.

org Thank you for your dedication, putting Detroit youth at the forefront of your mission. Your commitment made a meaningful difference in the growth of our youth program. Mentorship, career development and ongoing support provided by caring adults are invaluable resources for youth.

Those of us doing this work are grateful for your support for filling in a gap that needed to be closed to complete our work. Teams help bring dreams to life—they’re not meant to carry the weight alone or operate in isolation. We are grateful for support received from The Skillman Foundation’s visionary President Angelique Power and staff.

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