Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation

Youth Council Grant Program

Focus Area: Youth
Next Application Deadline:  March 9, 2012
Available Funds: $35,000

Youth Council awards nearly $70,000 in grants annually in two grant cycles. Grants support local programs and projects that have expanded opportunities for young people throughout our region.

At the broadest level, Youth Council will review grant applications for programs that serve area youth between the ages of 5-18. Youth Council is particularly interested in programs that are youth-initiated or involve youth in decision-making.

Every three years, Youth Council surveys local teens in area high schools to assess what issues and needs are most important to youth. Youth Council recently completed a needs assessment in 2010, with the following results:

Programs that deserve funding:
1. After school recreation and social activities
2. Music programs
3. Mentoring
4. Art programs
5. Job skill/Job Training Activities

Youth would personally participate in the following programs:
1. After school recreation and social activities
2. Art programs
3. Music programs
4. Job skill/Job training activities
5. Youth-led programs

Application Process:

  1. Email Chris Lemon to touch base about your potential grant proposal. This conversation can help ensure that your proposal will be appropriate in focus and scope.
  2. To review the application form, log on to www.communitygrants.org (new users need to request a login and password, and then create a new Agency Profile after receiving a login).
  3. Please note that AAACF will be switching to a new online grant system in February, but the current application form will remain unchanged. Potential applicants will receive more information about this transition when they speak with Chris.
  4. AAACF staff will conduct initial reviews before applications are directed to the Youth Council for further review.
  5. The full Youth Council will briefly interview each applicant.
  6. Final decisions will be announced in the last week of May, 2012.
  7. Final Grant Reports are due through www.communitygrants.org within one year of project completion.

Questions? Please email Chris Lemon, Youth Council Advisor.

In Spring 2011 Youth Council awarded more than $30,000 in grants to the following youth programs.  Click here for the complete list.