WHO ARE WE?

The 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 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 will be given to youth-driven organizations that provide programs or services relating to one or more of the focus areas listed below.

Founded in 1968, The Community Foundation is a publicly supported, tax-exempt organization that benefits both philanthropists and charities in Richmond and Central Virginia.

WHAT ARE OUR FUNDING PRIORITIES?

The Steering Committee will consider projects that focus on one or more of the three target areas: 

1.      Creating Safe Neighborhoods - Supporting a community where neighbors share an interest in protecting their neighborhood and providing residents with the tools to identify and address their assets and needs;

2.      Strengthening Families - Encouraging families to build stronger, healthier, and more productive environments for themselves, their community and their children; and

3.      Achieving Academic Success - Supporting programs that promote literacy, improve test scores, increase school attendance, and encourage parental involvement.

Projects must involve young people in planning, implementing, and evaluating the project.

HELPFUL HINTS

An organization that partners or collaborates with another organization will be given special consideration.

Projects are encouraged where a small amount of money will have the greatest impact.

A site visit may be scheduled for organizations under consideration.

ELIGIBILITY

Any youth-run organization in the City of Richmond, Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield Counties is eligible if it is in need of funding for programs that benefit the community.  Applicants may include, but are not limited to church youth groups, school clubs or nonprofit organizations that involve youth in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the proposed program. Only one proposal may be submitted for each organization.  Organizations who have received grants from the Youth Philanthropy Project must wait a full funding cycle before submitting another request.

SIZE OF AWARDS

Grants will range from $500 to $10,000.