Apply now: $300 mini-grants to help young people make a difference in their communities

“Not only do young people have the capacity to understand the world around them, they have the capacity to lead it.” -Gabe Abdellatif, youth contributor and former trustee, America’s Promise Alliance 

America’s Promise Alliance and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation are calling on youth to make a difference in their community. The Power of Youth Challenge: Serve This Summer is an opportunity for youth to get directly involved in their communities and generate meaningful change. To become eligible for a $300 mini-grant, applicants are encouraged to share an idea for a service project and how they intend to address an unmet demand in their community. Whether a lack of local gardening space or access to fitness programs and equipment, youth are given the opportunity to approach pressing with hands-on problem-solving skills and pursue solutions that encourage long-term success. 

Eligibility is reserved for young people between 13-19 years old who live in the United States, agree to track progress and reflections throughout the project, and follow CDC guidelines for social distancing and participant safety. 

What kind of projects have been funded in my community? See what other grantees have done in their state: 

• CityGreens: provides residents with at-home “urban garden” and gardening kits to encourage sustainability and “green” habits.
• Adopt an elder COVID-19: recruits local residents to write and create art for local nursing homes, and collect books and games for residents.
• Insight Club: provides opportunity for youth to exchange insights regarding inadequately discussed topics like finance, life skills, and obtaining career opportunities.

Application should be submitted by priority deadline June 15, 2021. Encourage a young person to initiate the change you wish to see in their community this summer!