The YAC is part of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s commitment to supporting Youth and Education in our region. The YAC awards grants to youth-serving nonprofits, including schools, within the Community Foundation’s seven-county service area.

Application Deadline

• The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 27.
• Application decisions will be announced in the spring.

Here are a few key facts about applications to the Youth Leadership Fund:

• We will consider fiscally sponsored organizations
• Grants generally range in size from $2,500 to $20,000 and are made twice a year
• Grants are made only to youth-led programs, meaning that 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; it’s great if the youth have adult allies who are assisting or supporting them in their effort, but youth must be involved for a grant to be considered
• Proposed projects should enhance young people’s knowledge of critical issues facing southeast Michigan
• Proposed projects should strengthen existing partnerships or promote new partnerships that can bring together young people of different backgrounds
• School districts may apply in addition to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations; thus, if a group of youth is working within their school to better their community in some way, the district may apply for support for the project
• Applications will be reviewed by a group of young people the Community Foundation oversees called the Youth Advisory Committee; they make grant recommendations to the Community Foundation’s Board
• To apply: You will need to register on MyCF. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be able to log in and select the Youth Advisory Committee YAC grant program to apply.

Questions? Feel free to contact

Ashley Jackson

Program Officer, Youth and Education
313.961.6675
Contact Ashley