Youth Advisory Committee Grants

Community Funds

Starting an Endowment

The Sparta Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee is responsible for developing grant recommendations for the distribution of The Foundation’s Youth Fund. Committee members represent the students of Sparta High School.

Grant funds are derived from the interest off a matching grant supplied by the Kellogg Foundation. Money for future grants will be generated by the interest earned on the Community Foundation Endowment fund.

Students meet monthly throughout the school year. They identify issues of concern to youth in the community by surveying their peers. Then they prepare a Request for Proposals which will address the identified issue areas. Finally, students review the grant proposals received and make funding recommendations to the Sparta Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Income from the Youth Fund is distributed on an annual basis to programs that address specific needs identified by the Youth Committee.

RFP Summary

The Sparta Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee is seeking to fund projects or programs that positively impact youth in the Sparta community. Groups or organizations made up of (or serving) youth ages 12 – 20 are invited to apply. The committee is particularly interested in programs or activities that address youth issues, particularly:

Alcohol and drug use (including smoking)
Impaired driving
Coping with external pressures from and conflicting expectations of family and peers
Sexual activity, teen pregnancy, and harassment
Time management related to academics, employment, and other activities
Depression, self-esteem, and body image

The projects should be youth initiated and youth driven. There is a total of $1,700 available for grants.

Why should your group apply?

By applying for a grant from the Sparta Community Youth Advisory Committee, your group has the opportunity to receive funds for a project or program that will make a positive impact on youth in Sparta.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status located in or serving the Sparta area that is in need of funding for programs that benefit youth in the Sparta community. Grants proposals from religious organizations for a religious purpose will not be considered. The organization and its recipients will not be discriminated against on the basis of, but not limited to, gender, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, or ethnic origin.

When are applications available?

Typically, the Request for Proposals (RFP) is available late December of the year and the proposals are due mid-February. Grant awards are announced the following May.

If you have questions or would like additional information please contact the Youth Program Associate, Cris Kooyer, at Grand Rapids Community Foundation, at 616.454.1751 x118 or email her at .

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

For good. For ever.