Youth Philanthropy Project

YouthGiveBack.orgThe Youth Philanthropy Project was started in 1998 by The Community Foundation to encourage student volunteerism and philanthropy by engaging young people in decision-making about the distribution of grant dollars.  A Steering Committee, comprised of local middle and high school students, is responsible for determining the needs of youth in metro Richmond, preparing a Request for Proposal, reviewing grant applications, and making funding recommendations to The Community Foundation’s Board of Governors. Consideration is given to youth-driven organizations that provide programs or services relating to one or more of the focus areas listed below.

Focus Areas

  • Creating Safe Neighborhoods
    Supporting a community where neighbors share an interest in protecting their communities and providing residents with the tools to identify and address their assets and needs;
  • Strengthening Families
    Encouraging families to build stronger, healthier, and more productive environments for themselves, their community and their children; and
  • Achieving Academic Success
    Supporting programs that promote literacy, improve test scores, increase school attendance, and encourage parental involvement.

Eligibility

Proposals will be accepted from any youth-led initiative in the Greater Richmond region in need of funding to develop or expand a community service project designed to benefit others. Applicants may include, but are not limited to, church youth groups, school clubs or volunteer organizations.  To be considered, projects must involve youth in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the proposed program.

Size of Awards

Generally, grants will range from $500 to $10,000.

How to Apply

The Youth Philanthropy Project is transitioning to a formal partnership between The Community Foundation and HandsOn Greater Richmond.  The purpose of this partnership is to further enhance the quality of the experience for participants and to further expand our reach to youth throughout the Richmond region.  Planning will take place suring the summer and fall of 2011, and grantmaking will resume in 2012.  Please check back for additional information about how to apply for a grant.

For More Information

Please contact Susan Hallett or Kim Russell, or call (804) 330-7400.