Youth Opportunities Unlimited Throughout Hillsdale

They make a difference in our community. They have a voice in the needs of the community. They are creative in planning projects to support awareness, community service, volunteerism and fund development. They are the YOUTH of the Hillsdale County Community Foundation.

These young adults are responsible for making many difficult and mature decisions. They are members of the Youth Advisory Council who manage grant requests for the W.K. Kellogg Youth Advisory Fund, a permanently endowed fund administered by the Foundation for projects designed and implemented by youth, for youth. See a list of our 2023-2024 youth grant awards here.

Their mission is to meet the needs of young people in Hillsdale County by enhancing the awareness of youth opportunities, offering information and resources through cooperative leadership, while providing financial support for projects to improve the youth communities of Hillsdale County. They continue to make a difference by making responsible decisions with their grant making; awarding money for projects and programs targeted to solve youth issues in a creative and positive manner. See the results of our latest Youth Needs Assessment survey here.

YOUTH membership is made up of two voting members for each school district in Hillsdale County, as well as homeschooled students. Traditionally, when a YOUTH member graduates from high school applications are accepted for potential members, age 13-21. If you are interested in applying for membership but are unsure when there might be an opening for your school, you are encouraged to contact the HCCF. Membership applications are available here.

Apply for a Grant Here

Grant Guidelines

"How To" Video

GoApply V2 User Guide

GOAPPLY V2 SLIDE SHOW

Our Y.O.U.T.H. Grant Applications are available online at https://goapply2.akoyago.com/hillsdale/

Y.O.U.T.H. Grant Applications are due April 1st and November 1st each year.

Phase I

Projects that meet the guidelines and fit a grantmaking priority area can submit a “statement of intent” online. The application is brief and will collect basic information about your organization, the proposed project, and the amount of your request.

Once a “statement of intent” is submitted and approved, you will be moved to Phase II within two business days. Please login to your dashboard to begin Phase II.

*Projects that are not chosen to go on to Phase II will receive feedback about the decision.

Phase II

Projects with solid potential will be asked to submit a full proposal by the deadline (April 1 or November 1). Following a review by our Y.O.U.T.H. Advisory Committee, their recommendation will go before our Board of Trustees for consideration.

Phase III

Once approved by the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees, the grant recipient will receive instructions in order to access their funding. Any contingencies and reporting requirements will be explained at that time.

Y.O.U.T.H. MINI GRANTS

YOUTH Mini Grants are available throughout the shool year. Mini grant requests cannot exceed $500.00 and are due at 4:00 p.m. on September 1, October 1, December 1, January 1, February 1, and March 1. Applications are available online at https://goapply2.akoyago.com/hillsdale/.

Mini Grant Guidelines:

The maximum grant request is $500.
For projects developed by youth ages 5-19 (grades K-12).
Project ideas must be developed by the youth of the applying organization.
A special Mini-Grant Application must be filled out by youth with minimal adult assistance (exceptions may be made for kindergarten and first grade age children).
The applying organization shall be tax exempt according to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an educational institution, or a governmental unit.
The submitted project or program must benefit youth.
An organization can apply no more than one time in any year.
A project can only be funded once.
Grant requests for school trips must follow the guidelines for school trip requests (click below or stop by the HCCF office).
Applicants for school requests are encouraged to discuss the application with their school’s YOUTH representative(s).

Apply for a Mini Grant

The purpose of the YOUTH Mini Grant program is:

To promote creativity and innovation
To develop youth leadership and responsibility
To encourage community service involvement
To promote awareness of YOUTH and the Hillsdale County Community Foundation and how the group serves Hillsdale County

YOUTH Grant Report Form YOUTH Grant Policy for School Trips