Youth Council Grant Programs

AAACF Youth Council awards over $85,000 in grants annually. Grants support local programs and projects that have expanded opportunities for young people throughout our region.

Youth Council Needs Assessment

The original W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant that established AAACF’s Youth Council in 1989 requires that Youth Council conduct a needs assessment every three years to identify the concerns and needs of our community's youth.

The purpose of the Needs Assessment Survey is to gain a better and deeper understanding of the issues that are of greatest concern to young people in our community. Survey results help shape Youth Council’s funding priorities and identify possible opportunities to effect change. Youth Council also feels that the Needs Assessment Survey helps to give a real and credible voice to the population it is trying to serve.

Fall 2020 Needs Assessment

In the fall of 2020 the Youth Council completed its most recent Needs Assessment. The survey was disseminated via SurveyMonkey through social media, posters, and emails to youth serving nonprofits and all high schools (public, private, and home school networks) in Washtenaw County. In addition, the link was shared on various online news outlets. The survey was translated into both Spanish and Arabic to increase accessibility within the community. In total, 1162 students responded to the survey over a period of 15 days.

We invite you to read the full Needs Assessment Report here for additional information and details. Given the impact that COVID-19 has had on the community questions about how it has affected youth were added to the survey. Data from the Needs Assessment confirms that COVID -19 has not significantly changed the issues facing young people today, but has brought to the surface and exacerbated those that were already present.

Funding Priorities for 2021

Mental Health Initiatives – programs and projects which address depression, anxiety, suicide, self-harm, and body image.
Academic Support Services – programs and projects doing work to ensure all high school students have equal opportunity for success. Including tutoring, mentoring, or other supports to address educational equity.
College Preparedness – programs and projects which assist with college applications and preparing for a positive college experience.
Anti- discrimination Education & Awareness – programs and projects which focus on racism and the LGBTQIA+ services.

All programs must serve high school age youth.

Priority will be given to organizations/projects which fit into one of the funding priorities above AND demonstrate a commitment to providing stipends for participation, offering sliding scale/reduced cost participation, assisting with transportation to and from programming, and honoring youth voice and perspective.

In addition to programs addressing the needs above, the Youth Council oversees the James & Clarice Foster Fund which supports the work of the Juvenile Division of the Probate Court and the Children with Disabilities Fund. Grants for these two funds are awarded to programs which serve youth ages 5-18.

How to Apply for a Youth Council Grant

Register your nonprofit to receive your login credentials that grant you access to the NonProfit Portal. Through this portal you can apply for grants and receive information specific to nonprofits.

If you are unsure if your organization has already registered and/or you need to add or delete users, please contact Zachary Smith.

Requests for proposals and information on applications will be available on AAACF's website when the grant program is open. All registered nonprofits will also receive an email notifying them of the opportunity.

2020 Youth Council Grants

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, grantmaking has been adapted to reflect new pressures faced by nonprofits and residents. All 2020 Youth Council Grants, totaling $78,000, were converted from programmatic funding into general operating support.

Grantees
826 Michigan	Ballet Chelsea
Educate Youth	Ele's Place
Growing Hope	Neutral Zone
Peace Neighborhood Center	Therapeutic Riding
Washtenaw Alliance for Virtual Education

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