KCF: Competitive Grants Program - Youth Mentoring

The Kitsap Community Foundation's Competitive Grants Program for Youth Mentoring offers grants ranging from $1,200 to $1,400 in 2025. This initiative supports mentoring programs aimed at fostering positive relationships between adults and youth, promoting healthy development. As a 501(c)(3) organization, KCF strives to enhance philanthropy in Kitsap County and North Mason, having distributed over $33 million since its inception. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria to apply.

To fulfill its mission "as a catalyst for the greater good," the Kitsap Community Foundation established an annual grant-making process. With the support of our donor-advised funds and a number of other investors, KCF distributions have exceeded $33 million since 1993.
Kitsap Community Foundation – Youth Mentoring
One or more grants of up to $1,200-$1,400 will be allocated in 2025. These grants are provided through the Youth Mentoring Endowment Fund and are specifically for mentoring programs. The Foundation defines mentoring programs as organized, ongoing activities aimed at providing quality and mutually beneficial relationships between competent adults and young persons, with the goal of creating positive youth development.

Eligibility

KCF supports charitable organizations that benefit Kitsap County & North Mason County. Such evidence may include tax returns, corporate charter and by-laws, financial statements, an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, and other evidence of accomplishmentsFaith-based social service, youth, or community programs are eligible if the following conditions are met:
501(c)(3) organization;program/project has a board-approved mission statement and program/project budget separate from the organization's sacramental or theological budget;secular programs or services are available to eligible participants without regard to religious belief or willingness to participate in religious activities; andthe organization ensures that Foundation contributions are not used to support religious activities such as worship or proselytizing.

Ineligibility

General RestrictionsThe Foundation does not award grants to provide or support:Annual campaign appealsCapital campaigns or facility improvementsEndowmentsFor-profit organizationsIndividualsPolitical or lobbying activitiesPrivate operating foundationsReligious organizations for sacramental or theological purposes*Tuition, scholarships, or core operating expenses for (K-12) public schools, charter schools, private schools or universities and colleges.Organizations that discriminate with regard to age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, religious affiliation, or presence of a disability
Other Eligibility Restrictions
National and regional organizations unable to clearly demonstrate that these funds will be used for operations within Kitsap County and/or North Mason CountyApplications from “start-up” organizations must be pre-screenedOrganizations with an Endowment Fund over $1 million