The Grand Rapids Community Foundation is accepting applications for its Youth Fund to assist with enhancing or implementing youth-serving programs in Kent County and is usually distributed among multiple organizations.
Donor Name: Grand Rapids Community Foundation
State: Michigan
County: Kent County (MI)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/16/2026
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Priority Areas
In the Fall of 2024, YGC members conducted a needs assessment of students in Kent County. Data from this survey, in conjunction with Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s values and North Star, addressing commitment to racial, social and economic justice, informed a request for proposals that address the following:
- Pressure to succeed academically or getting into college
- Youth access to mental health services and resources
- Paying for college
- Body image issues (including low self-esteem, and eating disorders)
- Youth sense of not fitting in or feeling that they don’t belong
- Youth conflict with parents or teachers
Priority will be given to proposals that:
- Come from organizations led by people of color
- Serve youth of color, and build leadership capacity in youth, allowing them to co-create and co-implement programming focused on the issues listed above
Funding Information
- A total of up to $65,000 is available.
- Typically, grant awards range from $1,000 to $5,500, with an average award amount of $3,000.
Eligibility Criteria
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government entities (including schools), or community groups with fiduciaries may apply for grants for programs that benefit youth in the greater Grand Rapids area. The YGC values projects that promote inclusiveness and do not discriminate in hiring staff or providing services based on race, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability. Applications from religious organizations for nonreligious purposes will be considered.
For more information, visit Grand Rapids Community Foundation.


