Kansas Volunteer Commission - Youth Civic Engagement Mini-Grant

Kansas Volunteer Commission - Youth Civic Engagement Mini-Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Kansas Volunteer Commission
Amount: Up to US $5,000
Last Updated: February 23, 2026

Summary

The Kansas Volunteer Commission's Youth Civic Engagement Mini-Grant supports youth in grades K-12 by funding projects that promote civic engagement. With a total allocation of up to $30,000, grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to eligible organizations. Projects must be youth-led, nonpartisan, and focused on developing civic habits while addressing underrepresentation in civic life. This initiative aims to enhance community representation and foster a lifelong commitment to civic participation among young people.

Overview

Youth Civic Engagement Mini-Grant Research shows that youth civic engagement is critical for a variety of reasons. Youth engagement can lead to increased academic performance and improved social-emotional well-being. It builds safe and inclusive school and community cultures and decreases dropout rates. When young people develop healthy civic habits, skills, and commitments, they become more active in community decision-making which leads to broader representation and beneficial to communities. Young people have unique perspectives on local issues, they often bring new ideas to the table, and they can be an unlimited source of energy and passion for social change. There are troubling opportunity gaps and inequities—by race, gender, education, socioeconomic status, and many other factors—that prevent individuals and communities from thriving. One source of this inequality is underrepresentation in civic and political life as a result of marginalization or oppression. Too often voices go unheard, problems go unaddressed, and a circle of disengagement and neglect perpetuates injustice. Focusing on youth civic engagement is a critical task in the work to promote a more just and equitable society. In addition, by starting participation early (grades K-12), individuals and communities can yield long-term benefits by creating a habit of civic engagement that lasts a lifetime (Adapted from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning & Engagement). To support this purpose, the Kansas Volunteer Commission, a program of the Kansas State Department of Education, announces the availability of grant funds to support the civic engagement of youth in grades K-12. For this grant, applicants must engage youth in the planning and implementation of grant activities. Examples of such projects include, but are not limited to: Develop service-learning activities or lead a community service project. Start or support a program to help youth placement in advisory roles on local boards. Develop opportunities for underrepresented youth to share their voice. Encourage a governance shadowing project where youth are paired with local community representatives. Start or support a program that encourages youth to attend and participate in regular public commission and school district meetings. Supported projects and training must be nonpartisan and must encourage an informed and vibrant democracy without promoting particular political parties or policies Funding The Kansas Volunteer Commission will make available up to $30,000 in grants and expects to award up to $5,000.00 per eligible entity.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The following entities are eligible to apply: public or private nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and other community organizations; school districts, institutions of higher education; government entities within states or territories (e.g., cities, counties); labor organizations; partnerships and consortia; and Native American tribes. All projects must take place in the state of Kansas.

Ineligibility

Voter registration activities are NOT allowed.Funding Restrictions:Funds may not be used for staffing, travel costs, gift cards, subawards, or indirect costs. Match funds must be incurred during the project period. Grant funds are intended to supplement, not supplant. Supplement means to add to; to enhance; to expand; to increase; to extend; to create something new. Supplant means to take the place of; to replace by something else. Grant funds under this program are federal funds from AmeriCorps, CFDA No. 94.003, therefore the Commission will not fund projects that engage in:Political activity and advocacy. Religious activity. Benefiting for-profit entities. Voter registration. Abortion services.