Teen Trust Grants

Teen Trust Grants empowers high school students in Black Hawk County to engage in philanthropy by awarding grants to local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Under the guidance of a mentor, students review applications, conduct site visits, and decide on funding allocations. Eligible projects must serve the community, with requests ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. This initiative fosters leadership and social responsibility among youth while supporting vital local services.

Teen Trust is a diverse group of high school students from the Black Hawk County area being facilitated by a qualified mentor. The Teen Trust program is a model for youth philanthropy. Each year, a diverse group of students from area high schools grant to 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies in Black Hawk County. Using a grant application system, site visits, and training seminars, the Trustees work as a team to decide which organizations to assist through financial aid or volunteerism.

Eligibility

Applying organizations must be tax-exempt, nonprofit entities classified by the IRS as
501(c)(3) organizations or government entities Projects must benefit residents of Black Hawk County. Requests should be for one year only
One application allowed per organization per year
All applications materials should be submitted by the deadline through the online
grant management system—no exceptions. Late, incomplete, or hard copy applications will not be considered. Incomplete applications are those that are in DRAFT mode at the time of the application deadline. If the organization has received past funding from Teen Trust, all grant reporting must
be up to date and in good standing Minimum requests should be $1,000; maximum request limit is $3,000

Ineligibility

Applications submitted via a fiscal sponsor will not be accepted
Inherently religious activities such as religious worship, instruction, or proselytization
or activities that promote specific religious doctrine are not eligible. Requests for partisan political or lobbying activities are not eligible.
Operational requests from other foundations are not eligible.