Grants & Funding
Changemakers Council Grant Program
Supporting Youth-Driven Community Impact
Organizational Grants
"Change Champions"
Grants will be awarded to local not-for-profit community organizations that actively engage and positively impact youth. These grants are intended to support the planning and implementation of community-driven projects—either as one-time events or ongoing initiatives.
- Organizations must submit a detailed application outlining how funds will be used
- Funded projects must include a youth-driven service component that actively engages individuals up to 21 years old in leadership or direct service roles
- Projects should demonstrate a clear commitment to social action and community engagement
Individual Youth Grants
Individual youth may apply for funding to lead their own community-based service initiatives. These grants are structured to foster youth leadership and civic innovation, in partnership with existing community networks.
Grant Levels:
- Each youth-led project has the option to be co-developed and executed in partnership with Project Powerful
- Projects are highly recommended to involve collaboration with a community organization
The application must include a section outlining how the youth's project will partner with or support an existing nonprofit or community organization. This section may include:
- A list of 1–5 potential partner organizations
- A description of what the partnership would look like
- Any pre-existing relationships relevant to the project
Eligible Partner Organizations: Eligible partner organizations may include churches, community programs, university-based public service institutes, or other social-action-oriented entities, regardless of 501(c)(3) status.
Independent Projects: If a partnership is not feasible, the applicant must explain why the proposed initiative is uniquely positioned to operate independently, and why no existing partnership is feasible, appropriate, or possible.
Additional Grantee Requirements
Mandatory Training & Monthly Meetings
- All grant recipients will automatically join the ChangeMakers Council
- Monthly gatherings will include one required meeting and one optional drop-in session, designed to foster knowledge exchange, peer collaboration, and skill development
- These sessions will function as a dynamic organizing and mobilizing network, enabling participants to share resources, build partnerships, and support each other's efforts
Each recipient will participate in specialized training with expertise in grassroots organizing, capacity building, and community mobilization.
Grant Disbursement Process
All grant awards will be distributed in two disbursements to ensure accountability and support throughout the project timeline:
Standard Disbursement
- Initial Disbursement – A portion of the total grant will be provided at the start of the project, following approval and onboarding
- Final Disbursement – The remaining funds will be released upon successful completion of all mandatory workshops, including ChangeMakers Council meetings and leadership training sessions
As part of the application, grantees must include a disbursement plan, clearly stating:
- The amount requested for the initial disbursement
- A brief justification for how those funds will be used in the early stages of the project (e.g., materials, event deposits, outreach)
Fast-Track Funding Pathway (Upfront Disbursement Option)
Purpose: To support grantees with urgent financial needs, limited access to credit, or time-sensitive project requirements by providing 100% of funds at the beginning of the grant cycle.
- Applicant clearly demonstrates a critical need for upfront funding (e.g., immediate expenses for supplies, venue reservations, permits, etc.)
- Provides a detailed, time-sensitive budget justifying the need for full disbursement
- Commits to completing all required workshops unless of an emergency
Ready to make a difference in your community?
Apply Now