Westchester: Youth Civic Engagement Grants

The Westchester Youth Civic Engagement Grants aim to empower young people (up to age 24) to actively participate in civic life. By supporting youth-led projects that promote democracy and social equity, the program encourages nonpartisan initiatives across diverse issue areas. Grants of up to $100,000 over two years will fund projects such as local government involvement, voter registration drives, and media literacy initiatives, fostering critical skills and resilience among youth to become active changemakers in their communities.

NOTE: You may submit a proposal anytime to our competitive grants program.
Civic engagement is essential for a healthy democracy and a just and inclusive community. Westchester can benefit from the energy, innovation, and participation of young people who bring fresh ideas and work together to act on issues they care about. No matter the issue area—environmental sustainability, social justice, affordable housing, misinformation in the media—young people’s voices can make a difference.
At the same time, participation in civic activities helps young people develop emotional resilience, selfawareness, and a sense of agency. Research also suggests that young people who engage in civic activities are more likely to experience better mental health, higher educational attainment, greater financial stability in adulthood, and are also more likely to remain civically active throughout their lives.
The Trust-Westchester’s youth development grants program has funded initiatives that empower youth, build their confidence, help them form supportive relationships with mentors and other adults, and prepare them to become active changemakers in their communities. Recent New York State Senate laws adopted in 2023 and 2024, promote student voter registration and pre-registration, expand opportunities for youth participation in student government in secondary schools, and empower them to serve as ex officio members of school boards. These efforts reflect the growing consensus that young people’s participation is essential to a healthy democracy.
This request for proposals (RFP) seeks proposals for civic engagement projects that inspire, equip, and mobilize young people (up to age 24) in Westchester to actively participate in civic life. Grants will support youth-led projects that promote democracy and social equity. Projects must be nonpartisan. Grants will be up to $100,000 each, for a total term of up to two years. (Grants will not exceed $50,000 per year.)
Examples of youth civic engagement projects may include, but are not limited to:
Youth involvement in local government through youth councils, advisory boards, and other mechanisms that create opportunities for young people to engage in decision-making processes.Voter engagement efforts, including youth-led voter registration drives, education campaigns, and efforts to increase youth participation in elections.Local journalism projects that encourage young people to investigate and report on issues that matter to their communities.Media literacy initiatives that help young people critically evaluate information and combat misinformation. Advocacy campaigns led by young people to raise awareness of issues, mobilize peers, and engage with policymakers at local, county, state, and/or national levels. Youth-led research and policy analysisto provide recommendations to local officials on topics affecting their communities.Community organizing, including petitioning and participation in public forums that address local, county, state, and/or national issues.

Eligibility

Nonprofits seeking grants must be incorporated under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or have a 501(c)(3) funds administrator. Grants to nonprofits will be contingent on a review to confirm independent board governance (at least four independent board members) and good financial practices. Localities seeking grants must be incorporated, and Indigenous Nations must be recognized by New York State.

Ineligibility

Grants will not be made for:general operating support, contributions to capital campaigns, or for political advocacy, lobbying, legal actions, or electioneering.