Send us a message!
Chantal Pasag she/her/ella
Program Officer
English, Español

Youth Grant Committee
Students from public, private and home-school high schools throughout greater Grand Rapids make up Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Youth Grant Committee. During the school year, Youth Grant Committee members meet and assess youth issues, develop a request for proposals process to address those needs, follow up with previous grantees, conduct interviews and site visits and award grants.
Youth Grant Committee
Youth Grant Committee presents an awesome opportunity for local high school students to gain leadership experience while working as part of a diverse team to make decisions that make a real impact.
informed by students
The Youth Grant Committee at Grand Rapids Community Foundation conducts a Needs Assessment Survey of high schoolers in Kent County every other year. View the full report here.
Meet the Committee Members
We are thrilled to have this great group of teens as part of our Community Foundation!
Grants Awarded March 2023
Amount
Date
Purpose
$2,000
Mar. 2023
Supporting the establishment of a Youth Steering Committee at Lee Middle School, including providing stipends to youth. This will support their efforts to teach students financial literacy and leadership skills.
$3,000
Mar. 2023
In support of the Internships & Advocacy program, which provides a community network to mentor, inspire, and motivate African youth.
$3,740
Mar. 2023
Culturally relevant mental health programming that builds strong relationships among tribal youth in the Greater Grand Rapids area.
$4,500
Mar. 2023
Supporting the Do It BIG! project, which provides a safe environment for youth participating in Big Nik Basketball to support academic achievement, mental health, and community engagement.
$5,000
Mar. 2023
Providing day camp experience to equip youth to engage in community organizing, activism, advocacy, and liberation work.
$2,000
Mar. 2023
To provide student athletes with basketball skills training and mental health counseling.
$1,870
Mar. 2023
The Power Within promotes positive relationships, education, empowerment, and the sharing of resources and stories to build self-esteem and confidence.
$2,500
Mar. 2023
To build and establish a youth-led social justice awareness project and youth summit focused on raising awareness of the need for education equity and providing access to education resources for participants.
$1,500
Mar. 2023
Ladies in Training programming creates opportunities for students to define, plan and maintain personal and academic goals, volunteer in the community, and curate a group project that promotes social change.
$4,000
Mar. 2023
To maintain spaces of care and belonging that provide a network of support and real-world opportunities for teens to develop positive self-identities through art, music, mentorship, and college preparation.
$3,500
Mar. 2023
To support culturally competent strategies that promote mental health including self-acceptance, coping skills for anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, creative outlets for stress, and building strong interpersonal relationships and networks of support.
$2,520
Mar. 2023
Transportation support for students to reduce financial stress, improve attendance and foster academic success for Lee High School of choice students.
$2,000
Mar. 2023
West Michigan Mayfly Project provides youth in foster care opportunities to explore the outdoors, learn about environmental conservation, and engage in fly fishing.
$3,500
Mar. 2023
Crowned curriculum focuses on identity development, social and emotional learning, community impact, as well as leadership and communication skills.
$2,000
Mar. 2023
To train peer educators to facilitate educational experiences for youth on the intersection of mental health sexual health.
$2,500
Mar. 2023
To launch a community garden and outdoor classroom project with Stocking Elementary and its surrounding northwest Grand Rapids community.
$2,000
Mar. 2023
Supporting the Concentric Teen Program, which connects immigrant and refugee teens with each other and mentors to build community as they make West Michigan home.
$1,870
Mar. 2023
Supporting bicycle refurbishment and distribution for community members needing transportation support through local nonprofit partners.
Youth Grant Committee FAQ
Here's everything you need to know about youth grants from Grand Rapids Community Foundation and how to apply for funds.
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government entities (including schools), or community groups willing to obtain a fiscal sponsor (with help from the Community Foundation) may apply for grants for programs that benefit youth in the greater Grand Rapids area. Proposals should address one of the youth needs identified in the fund guidelines, be creative and well-defined, and demonstrate equitable community impact. A project budget and plans for program evaluation should be included as well. Call the Grand Rapids Community Foundation at 616.454.1751 if you have questions.
Grant applications are available online each year. Past applicants will receive an email notification when future grant application timelines have been established. Please contact Chantal Pasag, YGC advisor, at CPasag@GRFoundation.org if you wish to be notified when the application opens.
The money available for grants comes from income generated by a $1.8 million Youth Fund, which is held in permanent endowment by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. The Youth Fund was established in 1991 with $1 million in matching funds from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Approximately $45,000 in grants is available annually.
In the last two decades, we have awarded more than one million dollars to local nonprofits. We particularly like to support programs that are unique, address racial, social and economic justice, and incorporate youth leadership.
Membership in YGC is open to any Grand Rapids area high school student interested in serving their community and willing to volunteer their time. Hundreds of area students have served on the Committee since YGC began, with many of them serving through all four years of high school. Membership applications are available each March and new members are selected in May. For more information, click here, or contact Chantal Pasag, YGC advisor, at CPasag@GRFoundation.org.
Youth across the state of Michigan are active serving their communities and addressing issues of concern. Learn more about Michigan's many Youth Advisory Committees by visiting the Michigan Community Foundation Youth Project's website.
Program Officer
English, Español