15 Grant & Funding Opportunities for Teen-Led Nonprofits
High school students who are thinking of launching a nonprofit often face the challenge of finding resources to support their initiative. Applying for grants and funding opportunities for teen-led nonprofits can provide the financial support and credibility needed to scale projects that address community needs. These opportunities not only deliver funding but also connect you with established foundations, professional mentors, and networks that can guide your growth.
Beyond immediate benefits, winning a grant can strengthen your college applications, resume, and future funding applications. With many foundations and organizations offering dedicated funding opportunities for teen-led nonprofits, you have multiple pathways to take your projects to the next level. In this blog, we have compiled a list of 15 funding opportunities for teen-led nonprofits.
15 Grant & Funding Opportunities for Teen-Led Nonprofits
1. Ben & Jerry’s Foundation – National Grassroots Organizing Program
Location: Nationwide (U.S. and territories)
Dates: Year-round
Application deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Small, constituent-led grassroots organizations with annual budgets under $350,000; U.S.-based and exclusively U.S.-focused
The National Grassroots Organizing Program awards two-year unrestricted grants of up to $30,000 annually to small, constituent-led organizations addressing social and environmental injustice across the U.S. Funding supports a wide range of grassroots activities, including leadership development, coalition building, popular education, and community outreach. For teen-led nonprofits, this flexibility allows you to strengthen day-to-day operations while developing campaigns that tackle systemic issues. If you’re leading such organizations, you can gain experience in community organizing, nonviolent direct action, and mobilizing allies around social justice and climate action.
2. William T. Grant Foundation – Youth Service Capacity-Building Grants
Location: New York City (all five boroughs)
Dates: Not specified
Application deadline: September 18
Eligibility: Small nonprofit organizations providing direct services to youth ages 5–25
The Youth Service Capacity-Building Grants provide $60,000 over three years to small nonprofits in New York City that deliver direct services to youth ages 5 to 25. Funding is directed toward strengthening organizational infrastructure in areas like financial management, strategic planning, human resources, or evaluation systems, giving groups the stability to better serve young people. Teen-led nonprofits operating within this framework can apply to address specific capacity-building needs identified through assessments. In addition to financial support, the program offers technical assistance, including one-on-one coaching and peer learning sessions with Community Resource Exchange.
3. The Cigna Group Foundation Youth Mental Health Grants
Location: Select U.S. states
Dates: Annual application cycle
Application deadline: Typically in March for the youth grant (deadlines vary by grant)
Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations addressing youth mental health issues
The Cigna Group Foundation funds nonprofits addressing the youth mental health crisis, prioritizing programs that expand access to care and foster social-emotional well-being. Grants focus on evidence-based initiatives that reach underserved communities, including school-based interventions, peer-support training, and caregiver education. For teen-led nonprofits, this opportunity supports projects such as wellness campaigns, peer mentorship models, and initiatives to reduce stigma around mental health. You must align your work to one of three goals: expanding program reach, equipping adults and peers to provide support, or increasing access to intervention services. The grant framework encourages collaboration with schools and health professionals, allowing student leaders to gain experience in advocacy, project design, and community health partnerships.
4. The Jim Moran Foundation Grants
Location: Florida
Dates: Annual application cycle
Application deadline: Applications open on January 2
Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations offering programs that meet the eligibility criteria
The Jim Moran Foundation supports programs in Florida that improve the quality of life for youth, families, and seniors, with funding focused in Broward, Palm Beach, and Duval counties. Its grantmaking emphasizes education enrichment, elder care, family strengthening initiatives, and youth transitional living programs that help at-risk young people achieve independence. This funding presents opportunities to scale initiatives addressing economic inequality, food security, and youth empowerment. Projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to supporting vulnerable populations are given priority consideration.
5. Midland Area Community Foundation Competitive Grants
Location: Midland County, Michigan
Dates: Quarterly
Application deadline: January 15, April 15, July 15, October 15
Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government bodies within Midland County
The Midland Area Community Foundation in Michigan provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $60,000 to nonprofits working in areas such as economic development, youth engagement, public health, arts, and environmental sustainability. Funding requests are considered in alignment with the county’s four focus areas: building livelihood, developing talent, caring for people, and enriching community life. Teen-led nonprofits can apply to expand community-based projects in education, cultural programming, or social services. If you’re a student leader, you benefit from learning how to align local initiatives with broader community priorities and from managing grants that strengthen long-term impact.
6. The Courage Project
Location: Nationwide (U.S. and Canada)
Dates: Annual application cycle
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Individuals and nonprofits demonstrating civic bravery
The Courage Project recognizes both individuals and organizations across the U.S. that demonstrate civic bravery and resilience in their communities, offering awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Organizational recipients are honored for initiatives such as disaster recovery, building equity, and fostering collaboration across diverse groups. Teen-led nonprofits that take principled stands on social issues or develop innovative solutions to local challenges may be eligible for funding. For student leaders, participation can build recognition, open networking opportunities, and reinforce skills in advocacy and coalition-building.
7. Spectrum Digital Education Grant
Location: Organizations in the Spectrum market
Dates: Annual application cycle
Application deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The Spectrum Digital Education Grant funds nonprofits that expand digital inclusion through training, access to technology, and community-based digital resources. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $50,000 and support programs serving low-income families and seniors in Spectrum markets. Eligible projects include developing digital learning centers, creating mobile computer labs, or scaling professional advancement programs. If you run a teen-led nonprofit, you can apply if your initiatives already serve communities and demonstrate measurable impact, such as the number of participants reached and demographic outcomes. This program emphasizes sustainability and requires you to show how your work addresses local needs and produces lasting change, giving student leaders experience in outcome tracking, digital equity advocacy, and program design.
8. National Endowment for the Arts
Location: Nationwide (U.S.)
Dates: Twice a year
Application deadline: April 7, July 29
Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations offering arts-based youth development programs
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funds projects that expand access to the arts and strengthen the arts sector across the United States, including rural, urban, and tribal communities. Through its Grants for Arts Projects program, it supports initiatives in areas such as dance, music, visual arts, theater, design, film, arts education, and multidisciplinary works. Your application is reviewed by expert panels and evaluated based on published criteria, with final decisions made by the NEA Chair. Funding enables organizations to engage the public, integrate arts into community well-being, and build organizational capacity. For teen-led nonprofits, the process provides exposure to grant writing, project planning, and the arts ecosystem, while also offering the chance to network with experienced arts leaders and reviewers.
9. Prudential Emerging Visionaries
Location: U.S. and Puerto Rico
Dates: Annual program
Application deadline: Typically in November each year
Eligibility: Youth aged 14-18 who demonstrated commitment to solving financial and societal challenges in their communities and beyond (legal residents of the United States or Puerto Rico)
Prudential Emerging Visionaries supports young changemakers aged 14–18 who are developing solutions to pressing financial and societal challenges. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in funding, along with mentorship from Prudential employees and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Prudential headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, for a leadership summit. Projects are evaluated on innovation, potential to scale, community connection, and the applicant’s changemaking qualities. As a participant, you not only gain financial backing but also access to professional coaching, skill-building workshops, and opportunities to present your work to corporate leaders.
10. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Location: Nationwide (U.S.)
Dates: Annual program
Application deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Youth ages 8–18 leading impactful service projects
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes recognizes 25 young leaders each year who have led impactful service projects benefiting their communities or the environment. Winners receive $10,000 to support their education or nonprofit initiatives, along with recognition materials and opportunities to connect with a network of fellow honorees. Eligible projects must be youth-led, independent of school assignments, and demonstrate strong qualities of courage, compassion, and perseverance. The program highlights service activities that go beyond personal challenges and create measurable positive impact. As a teen recipient, you gain not only funding but also national recognition, which can bolster future project growth and credibility.
11. Google Ad Grants
Location: Worldwide
Dates: Monthly grant
Application deadline: Open application
Eligibility: You must be a nonprofit charitable organization in good standing and meet the full eligibility requirements in your country
Google Ad Grants provides eligible nonprofits with up to $10,000 per month in free Google Search advertising, helping organizations expand their visibility, recruit volunteers, and attract donors. Unlike competitive grant programs, this resource is available to all qualifying nonprofits that meet Google’s eligibility criteria. Teen-led nonprofits can use the grant to promote their mission, reach wider audiences, and develop skills in digital marketing and campaign management. This support enables small organizations to operate with the same online presence as larger nonprofits, without straining limited budgets.
12. The Pollination Project Foundation
Location: Nationwide
Dates: Year-round
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Individuals and small grassroots organizations, including youth-led efforts
The Pollination Project Foundation offers seed funding of up to $500 to individuals and grassroots groups creating positive community change, with larger follow-up grants of up to $10,000 available for select initiatives. Grants are awarded through a participatory decision-making process involving a global network of advisors and coordinators. In addition to funding, the foundation provides capacity-building workshops, mindfulness retreats, and resource navigation to help grantees sustain their efforts. Teen-led nonprofits benefit from the opportunity to secure an initial “first belief” grant, which can help launch projects, attract additional funding, and establish credibility.
13. Youth Service America Grants & Awards
Location: Nationwide
Dates: Year-round
Application deadline: Varies by grant
Eligibility: Youth ages 5–25 and youth-serving organizations
Youth Service America (YSA) funds youth-led projects that promote education, health, environment, and civic engagement, often tied to Global Youth Service Day. Grant opportunities include the Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes Grants ($250–$500), Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Youth Grants ($500), and We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants ($1,000). These programs encourage you to mobilize large groups of volunteers, strengthen community partnerships, and address pressing local needs. In addition to funding, YSA provides planning resources and recognition, helping you build project management and outreach skills. Teen nonprofit founders can use these grants to pilot or expand initiatives while gaining hands-on leadership experience.
14. Captain Planet Foundation
Location: Worldwide
Dates: Not specified
Application deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Youth and schools engaged in youth-led environmental projects
The Captain Planet Foundation supports youth-led environmental action through programs like the Planeteer Alliance and Project Hero. Teens aged 10–25 can join the global Planeteer community, where campaigns receive small starter grants and access to peer support, training, and crowdfunding opportunities, with the foundation matching funds raised. Project Hero provides free project-based learning platforms and small grants for classroom and youth projects protecting ecosystems and species. These programs encourage hands-on environmental stewardship while building collaboration and leadership skills.
15. Karma for Cara Foundation Microgrants
Location: Nationwide
Dates: Quarterly
Application deadline: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1
Eligibility: Youth ages 18 and under leading service projects
The Karma for Cara (K4C) Foundation awards microgrants of $250–$1,000 to youth-led service projects across the United States. Projects can range from creating community gardens and rebuilding playgrounds to supporting seniors or addressing local needs. Your applications are reviewed quarterly, giving young leaders multiple chances each year to secure funding. The program empowers you to translate your ideas into tangible community improvements while developing skills in fundraising, project execution, and teamwork. By supporting a wide range of creative initiatives, K4C helps amplify youth-led service and builds confidence in young changemakers managing their own nonprofit ventures.
If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you build a startup or nonprofit in high school, consider the Young Founders Lab!
The Young Founders Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
You can access the application link here!
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