Youth Council

The Youth Fund, made possible by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, and the Jim Harbaugh Youth Fund are advised by the Youth Council.  Since 1989, the YC has awarded over $1,200,000 to programs benefiting youth in the Ann Arbor area.

Funding Priorities

The Youth Council supports projects that focus on program activities in the arts, education or recreational fields, as well as health and human services. Programs must serve youth ages 5 - 18.

The Youth Council is particularly interested in programs that:

• take place after school, and/or weekends;

• involve teens grades 9-12 in the development and implementation of the project;

• appeal and respond to diverse needs and interests; and

• whose content and methods address youth needs for safety, fun, friendships, mentors, as well as the opportunity to take a more active role in their community.

Highest priority will be given to programs that address the issues of:

• education

• discrimination/diversity awareness

• accessibility of arts programs

• recreational activities

• teen stress

In addition, it is a high priority that young people have the opportunity to participate in the development and/or implementation of the program.

The Youth Council has also established a mini-grant program for fifth grade students in Ann Arbor to provide an opportunity for young people to participate in philanthropy and community service.

What is Not Funded

The Youth Council does not typically award grants for:

• construction projects (new building or routine maintenance)

• annual giving campaigns

• normal operating expenses (except for start-up purposes)

• fundraising events

• religious or sectarian purposes

• computer hardware equipment

• individuals

• partisan political purposes

• loans

• re-granting

For the application process and deadlines, click here.

Examples of Past Grants

Ann Arbor YMCA

Youth Volunteer Corps - Independent Service Project - $4,000

826 Michigan

In-Schools Literacy Program - $12,500

Community Action Network

School Comes First! Program - $10,000

Ozone House

Art Expressions for Youth in Ypsilanti - $1,000

Washtenaw County Children's Services Department

Teen Center Without Walls: Partnering for Success - $5,000

Neutral Zone

Visual Arts Program - $2,000

Peace Neighborhood Center

Rising Sons Mentorship Program - $5,000

Center for Occupational & Personalized Education (COPE)

COPE Girls' Group - $1,000

Student Advocacy Center

Program for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care - $25,000

Washtenaw Community College Foundation

Camp Compute - $5,000