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.

Deadlines

The Youth Philanthropy Project conducts two cycles of funding per year. Deadlines are 5:00 p.m. postmark deadlines. When a deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline is extended to the following Monday. We cannot accept applications sent by facsimile or e-mail.

  Spring Cycle Fall Cycle
Applications Due April 12 October 12
Grant Decisions 2nd week of June 2nd week of December

How to Apply

Organizations can request support from The Youth Philanthropy Project by submitting a one original proposal and 10 additional copies to the following address:

The Youth Philanthropy Project
c/o The Community Foundation
7501 Boulders View Drive
Suite 110
Richmond, VA 23225

Download Youth Philanthropy Project – Grant Application

For More Information

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