National Days of Service Lead Agency Grants

National Days of Service Lead Agency Grants

Youth Service America’s 2023-2024 Lead Agency Partner Grants are a key part of a strategy to double youth participation rates in the United States to at least 50% in celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial (America250) in July 2026.

YSA will award 2-year grants to organizations leading a coalition of project planning partners to increase youth participation on MLK Day of Service and Global Youth Service Day/Youth Service Month. The initial grant period is ~November 15, 2023 – September 30, 2024. Year 2 continuation awards will be made based on performance and the availability of funds.

Funding

$2,500 or $5,000.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• Grant Requirements:
• At least one person from the grantee organization will participate in the 2023 & 2024 Youth Service Institute and virtual mid-year check-in meetings.
• Build a diverse coalition of local, affiliate, regional, or statewide partners. Partners are organizations/affiliates that will plan and host their own youth-led projects. Partners can include:
  • Individual schools
  • Afterschool and out-of-school time programs/organizations
  • Youth development programs/organizations
  • Nonprofits/community-based organizations
  • Faith-based institutions
  • City/county level affiliates of statewide organizations
  • Other local organizations that serve youth
• Provide technical assistance and support to partners in integrating or expanding quality youth-led service opportunities. Technical assistance and support can include:
  • Conducting an assessment to understand partner needs.
  • Help partners navigate the YSA Clearinghouse and match appropriate resources to support partner needs.
  • Conducting workshops on effectively communicating with youth and recruiting youth volunteers.
  • Developing and maintaining data systems.
• Youth Engagement Goals:
  • Minimum number of youth planning, leading, and volunteering in community service or service-learning activities according to the chart below.
  • 50% of youth are from low-income families or neighborhoods.
  • 80% middle and high school-aged youth.
  • Emphasis on engaging Young People of Color (Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Indigenous) as well as Youth Not Usually Asked to Serve (including Youth Who are Homeless, Youth in Foster Care, Youth with Disabilities, Youth in the Juvenile Justice System, Youth who are Immigrants or Refugees, English Language Learners, Youth in Rural Areas, Youth from Military Families, and Youth who Are LGBTQ+); and youth from other underserved or historically excluded communities.)
• Applicants must have signed the YSA 50by250 Declaration of Participation and be in the United States.