Youth Leadership Grants

Youth Leadership Grants is sponsored by Various Foundations. Supports youth leadership programs across various states.

Youth Leadership • Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan If you are looking to make a difference in your community and other communities in need, participating on the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) might be a great fit. Grants for youth-led programs where youth are involved in the vision for the project, the development of the application, and will be involved in implementing the work if a grant is received.

Working with youth and youth-serving nonprofits in the region, we support programs that give young people a voice in their communities and help them gain leadership experience. The Community Foundation’s Youth Leadership project was established in 1991 with a $1 million challenge grant from the W. K.

Kellogg Foundation. These funds established an endowed youth fund that would, in perpetuity, involve young people in reviewing grant proposals from organizations that benefit youth in southeast Michigan. For more than 30 years, our middle school- and high school-age advisors have recommended more than 245 youth-serving grants intended to promote the growth, success and well-being of young people throughout southeast Michigan.

These grants have had a real impact on growing youth leaders at nonprofit organizations across the region. The Youth Leadership project makes several grants each year that typically range in size from $2,500 to $20,000. The grants are made to local nonprofit organizations or school districts proposing a project that will either involve youth in the development of the program or will build opportunities for youth leaders.

“ Serving as co-chair of the Youth Advisory Committee was an incredibly rewarding experience. The connections I made and the opportunities I gained exceeded my expectations, opening doors to new perspectives and growth. The role empowered me to lead with purpose, collaborate with passionate individuals, and make a meaningful impact in our community.

I am excited to see what else lies ahead in my journey. ” Jackson Glover, former Youth Advisory Committee co-chair I originally got involved with the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) because we highlight issues that we, as youth, face, and we find organizations that aim to fix these issues.

Over my 4 years, my love for YAC has grown because I have, first handedly, been able to see that there are organizations out here that really care about youth and our issues. My most memorable YAC experience was being recognized by the Board of the larger Community Foundation because I was able to see how many people truly care about the work we do at YAC. I can’t wait to see what YAC will do in the years to come!

Former Youth Advisory Committee co-chair Recent examples of grants from Youth Leadership include: Urban Neighborhood Initiatives, Inc. received $20,000 to support a youth leadership pilot food access program in the Springwells community in Southwest Detroit. Jefferson Schools received $10,000 to support the creation of an updated school safety training and wellness program in Jefferson High School following the Oxford shooting.

Apply for a Youth Leadership Grant Interested in being a YAC member? If you are looking to make a difference in your community and other communities in need, participating on the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) might be a great fit. The YAC meets monthly and evaluates grant applications and makes recommendations to fund projects and programs that support youth organizations in southeast Michigan.

The YAC is a unique opportunity to learn about philanthropy, grantmaking, volunteerism, and also a place to help you develop and strengthen your leadership skills. Questions? Feel free to contact Program Officer, Youth and Education