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Youth Matter Grants
Now recruiting for 2022
Youth Matter Grants are mini grants given to youth-led projects to build safety, foster supportive youth-adult relationships, and make a difference in the community. Mattering matters! When youth know that they matter to their community, they are less likely to engage in risky, unsafe behaviors, and more likely to display higher levels of connectedness and mental wellbeing.
Creating projects that make a difference: Your proposal must focus on one of three specific themes: wellness, transportation safety, and underage drinking prevention. You will also define the community you wish to impact, and what difference you’d like to make within that group. You must demonstrate a commitment to incorporating best practices for achieving high quality programs. If funded, AYDC will offer training and supports to build a project that will address the above goals and make a difference!
Grant funding limits: Each project is limited to a maximum of $5,000.
Our Focus: Projects are intended to support youth-led initiatives that make a difference in the community. Projects will receive higher scores that involve youth in leadership roles, in decision-making, and project proposal development and implementation.
We are currently accepting applications for 2022!
See our current timeline and application information below. Grants are available statewide depending on the theme chosen.
Applications are due Thursday, December 9 at 5:00 PM. For questions, please contact Ciara Lowery at ciara@safealaskans.org.
Timeline of Events (Click date for details)
November 1, 2021 - Applications open
Grant application opens. Use the buttons below to view the Grant Application, Grant Guide, and Applicant Overview.
November 15, 2021 - LIVE ZOOM EVENT
Info Session (optional) for youth interested in applying.
- ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86943442663
- To RSVP and to send us questions, visit this form: https://forms.gle/dy42WcFDJaXabSVq8
December 9, 2021 - Applications Due
Applications due by 5:00 PM. Applications may either be e-mailed to ciara@safealaskans.org or submitted through the online form at https://safealaskans.org/our-work/programs-initiatives/aydc/youth-matter-grants/youth-matter-grant-application/
December 15, 2021 - Participants Selected
Participants selected: Participants will be announced by this date.
January 13 & January 20, 2022 - LIVE ZOOM EVENTS
Orientation: This convening will support your project planning and will provide training in evaluating your intended community impact and in incorporating youth development best practices. Participants are expected to participate in both sessions of the two-part orientation.
February 2, 2022 - Project Work Plan and Pre-Surveys Due
Project Work Plan: Proposed projects will be designed using a work plan, including a draft impact evaluation plan and proposed budget due to Safe Alaskans staff.
- Grantees will meet with Safe Alaskans staff as needed to finalize work plan and evaluation plan before final approval
- Grants awards will be finalized and agreements signed by all parties at this time. An invoice for 60% of grant award due to Safe Alaskans once budget is approved. If upfront expenses will exceed this first grant payment, exceptions can be made with documentation.
Participant Pre-Surveys Due
- A link to complete the youth participant pre-survey will be provided prior to this due date to allow time to complete it.
February 24, 2022 - LIVE ZOOM EVENT
Midpoint check in: All-grantee Zoom call FROM 3 - 4:30 PM to connect with Safe Alaskans and one another about project progress. One-on-one supports provided as needed. Grantees will be encouraged to share drafts of their created work at this time as applicable, or to work with Safe Alaskans staff to set up other check-ins to gather peer feedback to ensure projects are impactful.
MARCH 24, 2022 - Project and Final Report Due & Post-Surveys Due
Complete Project and Final report due
• Project work must be completed by this date.
• Participants will complete an online report form, including sharing data from their impact evaluation
Participant post-surveys due:
• Post-surveys will be completed by youth participants near the end of the project.
Final invoice for 40% of grant award due; Safe Alaskans will administer final payment upon completion of project, delivery of invoice, and approval of all final paperwork.
MARCH 31, 2022 - LIVE ZOOM EVENT
Celebration: Reflect together on the experience and share celebrations and successes.
Goals for Projects
We are looking to support projects that address the following goals:
Safety
Youth want to live in a community that is both physically and emotionally safe, allowing them to be themselves.
Support, Respect, Fairness
Youth want to be treated fairly and with respect by adults. Having friendly, supportive, and positive relationships with adults provides the right role models to empower youth.
Make a Difference
Youth want to be engaged and make a difference. This may be through providing impactful opportunities and service- or civic-based activities. Meaningful engagement includes opportunities for service- or civic-based activities and involvement in decision-making, leadership, and project implementation.
Additional Resources
- PILOT Youth Matter Cohort 1&2 Evaluations: evaluation summary report from 2 grantee cohorts (2017-2018)
- 2016 Youth Perception of Mattering Being Valued and Connecting to their Community – A summary of literature and best practices: By Becky Judd on behalf of AYDC
- 2016 Youth Perception of Mattering Being Valued and Connecting to their Community – Highlights: Four-page summary of review
- 2016 Youth Perception of Mattering Being Valued and Connecting to their Community – Appendices
- 2018 List of AYDC Youth Matter grantees and projects: AYDC awarded $22,500 to youth groups for five projects. Find descriptions of project here.
- 2017 List of AYDC Youth Matter grantees and projects: AYDC awarded $30,500 to youth groups for eight projects.
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Center for Safe Alaskans
4241 B Street, Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 929-3939
E-mail: info@safealaskans.org
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