Youth Service America
Youth Service America (YSA) is a Washington, DC-based public charity that activates young people ages 5–25 through grants, training, resources, and recognition programs. It supports youth-led service and civic-engagement projects intended to help young people address problems in their communities.
Youth Service America at a glance
In short: Youth Service America gave $517K across 20 grants in 2025 (avg $26K), mostly in District of Columbia. 30% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $517,133
- +53.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 20
- +42.9% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $25,857
- +7.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $9,625
- Total assets
- $860,614
- -51.2% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 30% first-time grantees (6 of 20, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (52% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Youth Service America
- How to Apply
-
YSA describes an online application process for grant applicants, with proposed activities and budgets submitted for review.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 65525, Washington, DC 20035-5525
Phone: (202) 296-2992
Website: https://ysa.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Youth Service America
50by250 Lead Organizers Grants
Youth Service America
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes GYSD Grant
Youth Service America
Amount
US $250 - US $500
Deadline
Deadline not published
National Days of Service Lead Agency Grants
Youth Service America
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Youth Service America funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Boys and Girls Clubs of America ($47K). Together the top 10 received $184K.
Grant Size Distribution
120 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 115 grants of 120 (96%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
YSA’s 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in multiple states. The largest reported shares were DC (52%), Georgia (11%), Michigan (10%), Arkansas (4%), and California (4%). The listed 50by250 Lead Organizers grant eligibility includes U.S.-based governmental agencies, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, schools, school systems, colleges, and universities.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 20 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Youth Service America open to new grantees?
30%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 6 of 20 grantees (30%) were first-time recipients. With only 20 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $18K; repeat grants $29K. How we count
Medians: $13K first-time, $9K repeat.
- 50% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−6%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $337K (2024) to $726K (2023). In 2025 it made 20 grants totaling $517K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| All Other Grantees Washington, DC | All Other Grants | $266,692 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of America Atlanta, GA | September 11th National Day of Service Grants | $47,000 |
| State of Michigan MCSC Lansing, MI | MLK Day Global Youth Service Day and September 11th Days of Service Grants Youth Service Alliance Planning Grant | $25,000 |
| United Way of Genesee County Flint, MI | Youth Genesee Serves Subgrant | $25,000 |
| Arkansas MLK Commission Little Rock, AR | MLK Day and Global Youth Service Day Grants | $21,241 |
| NJ Department of State Trenton, NJ | September 11th National Day of Service Grant Youth Service Alliance Planning Grant | $15,000 |
| GenerationNation Charlotte, NC | MLK Day Global Youth Service Day and September 11th Days of Service Grants | $11,000 |
| Norte Vista High School Riverside, CA | MLK Day Global Youth Service Day and September 11th Days of Service Grants | $11,000 |
| Executive Office State of Arizona Phoenix, AZ | September 11th Day of Service Grant | $10,000 |
| Global Citizen Philadelphia, PA | MLK Day and Global Youth Service Day Grants | $10,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Youth Service America?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $860,614 | $2,350,862 | $3,270,388 | $517,133 | 20 | $108,597 |
| 2024 | $1,761,762 | $2,891,612 | $1,691,749 | $336,900 | 14 | $7,512 |
| 2023 | $555,987 | $2,039,182 | $2,046,575 | $726,150 | 46 | $86 |
| 2022 | $554,046 | $1,552,044 | $1,341,570 | $550,300 | 24 | $51 |
| 2021 | $348,122 | $1,098,335 | $1,033,291 | $456,250 | 16 | $134 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
YSA’s mission is to make working together for the common good the common expectation and common experience of every young person in America. It supports youth-led projects using Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy strategies to create social and environmental change. Its website describes work connected to National Days of Service, ServiceVote, and youth participation in community decision-making.
YSA’s 2024 filing says it awarded 415 grants of $100–$25,000 to schools and nonprofit organizations for youth-led service and service-learning activities. The organizations it supported in 2025 included a range of local and national entities. For example, Boys & Girls Clubs of America describes its work as providing safe spaces, mentors, meals, and programs for children and youth; GenerationNation describes itself as a K–12 civic leadership education organization; and The Leaders Readers Network says it supports early literacy in underserved schools.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, YSA reported 20 grants totaling $517,133. Grant amounts ranged from $5,500 to $266,692, with a median of $9,625. The largest named awards included $47,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of America for September 11th National Day of Service Grants; $25,000 to the State of Michigan MCSC for MLK Day, Global Youth Service Day, September 11th Days of Service, and Youth Service Alliance planning grants; and $25,000 to United Way of Genesee County for a Youth Genesee Serves subgrant. Other listed awards included $21,241 to the Arkansas MLK Commission and $15,000 to the NJ Department of State.
YSA’s 2024 filing says grant applicants submit an online application describing proposed activities and a budget. Grantees sign an MOU setting out program requirements and submit a final impact report. The filing says certain expenses are limited or disallowed, including certain salaries, long-term expenses unrelated to the service project, and excessive spending on food, T-shirts, or similar marketing items.
YSA’s website lists Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes Grants of $250, $500, or $1,000 for youth-led projects and events. The listed 2026 application deadline was March 15, 2026, a past cycle. Its National Days of Service Lead Agency Grants page says the program is paused for the 2025–2026 academic year. A separate program description lists 50by250 Lead Organizers grants of $5,000 for 20 organizers, with a goal of recruiting at least 50 partners; its stated America250 target date was July 4, 2026, which has passed.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Steven Culbertson as President and CEO. Directors listed on that filing are Thomas Butta, Jamie Daves, Stephen Dunmore, Judy Gray, Diane Murphy, Michelle Rudnicki, Josh Silverman, Joanne Wilson, and Mitali Chakraborty.
Youth Service America is led by Steven Culbertson, President CEO on every filing since 2021; 3 of 22 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Steven Culbertson
President CEO
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$47K (2021) → $74K (2025)
Michael Nelson
Chair
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Diane Murphy
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jamie Daves
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joanne Wilson
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Josh Silverman
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Judy Gray
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Rudnicki
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephen Dunmore
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Butta
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Esha Venkat
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maxwell Surprenant
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mitali Chakraborty
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ross Seidman
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shixia Huang
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shreyaa Venkat
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Zak Malamed
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen Daniel
Vice President of Programs
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$100K (2021) → $108K (2025)
Michael Minks
Vice President of Operations
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$80K (2021) → $103K (2025)
Ally Talcott
Vice Chair - Governance Finance
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Jensen
Vice Chair - Development
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jared Doles
Vice Chair - Programs
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Brendan Mahon (2023) — Director
- Former: Teresa Scanlan (2021) — Director
- Former: Walda Roseman (2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $108K, to Karen Daniel (Vice President of Programs). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Youth Service America
How much does Youth Service America give each year?
Youth Service America gave $517K across 20 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $337K across 14 grants.
What is Youth Service America's typical grant size?
Youth Service America's median grant in 2025 was $9,625, and its average grant was $25,857, across 20 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Youth Service America that year got $18K on average.
Where does Youth Service America give grants?
Youth Service America gives mostly in District of Columbia: 52% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Georgia (11%) and Michigan (10%).
Does Youth Service America give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 20 grants with a stated purpose on Youth Service America's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "MLK Day and Global Youth Service Day Grants" (6 grants).
Who are Youth Service America's largest grantees?
Youth Service America's largest 2025 grantees include Boys and Girls Clubs of America ($47,000), State of Michigan MCSC ($25,000) and United Way of Genesee County ($25,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 19% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Youth Service America?
Youth Service America reported $861K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.4M.
What does Youth Service America fund?
YSA’s mission is to make working together for the common good the common expectation and common experience of every young person in America. It supports youth-led projects using Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy strategies to create social and environmental change. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Youth Service America?
YSA describes an online application process for grant applicants, with proposed activities and budgets submitted for review. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Youth Service America's EIN?
Youth Service America's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-1500870. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 10, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Youth Service America's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
Houston Texans Foundation
Houston, TX
The Houston Texans Foundation supports youth and families through education, youth development, health and wellness, economic advancement, community resources, and social justice, with a focus on Houston and Harris County and neighborhood efforts in Greenspoint, Magnolia Park, and Sunnyside. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,871 to $250,000, with a median of $20,000. Unsolicited grant applications are not addressed; Texas-based nonprofits may submit online requests for in-kind donations.
Assets
$2.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$1.6M
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Philadelphia, PA
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey funds nonprofits working to reduce poverty and expand opportunity, including programs in basic needs, financial stability, early learning, career pathways, and community resilience. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6,000 to $1,588,855, with a median grant of $60,000, for work in four southeastern Pennsylvania and five Southern New Jersey counties. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$116.0M
Grants
57
Total Given
$8.6M
Fund for Educational Excellence Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Fund supports education equity and student opportunities, including district priorities, youth development, career pathways, academic programs, and school leadership, with a primary focus on Baltimore City Public Schools. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,500 to nearly $2 million, with a median of about $30,400; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$35.1M
Grants
74
Total Given
$6.0M
Share Our Strength
Washington, DC
Share Our Strength funds child nutrition and hunger-reduction efforts, including school meals, summer meals, benefits access, and family economic mobility, primarily across the United States, with some work in India. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,200 to $739,871, with a median of $20,000. The available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$74.5M
Grants
302
Total Given
$14.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in District of Columbia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Youth Service America funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/youth-service-america-morg_2acb603d3d4148568a18704ed0b91f9b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_521500870_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Youth Service America funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/youth-service-america-morg_2acb603d3d4148568a18704ed0b91f9b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Youth Service America's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Youth Service America down — hundreds of funders to go?