With Youth For Youth (WYFY) Grant Opportunity for Southeast Michigan

Michigan Afterschool Partnership
The Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) is the statewide voice and coordinating hub for out-of-school time programs that support Michigan’s young people, families, and communities. MASP brings together education leaders, youth-serving organizations, businesses, philanthropy, and policymakers to strengthen and expand high-quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities across the state. By aligning local efforts with statewide strategy, sharing best practices, and elevating data-driven insights, MASP helps ensure out-of-school time programs are effective, sustainable, and responsive to community needs—supporting youth success, working families, and Michigan’s future workforce.
With Youth For Youth (WYFY) Grant Opportunity for Southeast Michigan
Grant Opportunity & Funding Priorities
Beginning in 2026, the Southeast Michigan WYFY Advisory Council will distribute just over $2 million in grants to support out-of-school time and youth sports programs that incorporate youth voice, equitable access, and systems-level improvements. Funding decisions will be made by the Southeast Michigan Advisory Council using a structured review process designed by young people.
To meaningfully increase youth voice across funded programs, proposals should demonstrate how youth input and leadership are embedded in program structure, culture and decision-making. Priority will be given to programs that demonstrate the following funding priorities:

• Equity ensures all youth are centered, youth’s specific identities are considered and there is an unbiased distribution of resources for youth in programming.

Safety as emotional, relational, in programming, and a created space of belonging.Tangible Resources, ensure tangible supports that remove barriers to participation, such as transportation, food, youth stipends, and materials.The need for youth to experience both Learning and Enjoyment in the program.Preparation for a future where young people can thrive.The Role Adults Play by being adult allies who listen, support, and share power with young people.Youth Voice & Leadership as a non-negotiable experience for all young people in the program.
What is Out-of-School Time?
For the purposes of this application, out-of-school time (OST) is defined as any youth-serving program that supports young people outside the traditional school day (e.g., before and after school and/or during summer). Examples are as follows, but not limited to:

• Youth Sports
• Arts, Culture, and Enrichment
• Leadership Development and Civic Engagement
• Youth Workforce and Career Readiness
• Library and Recreation Program
• Prevention and Restorative Initiatives

We believe these programs operate in a wide range of settings, including community-based 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, early childhood centers, and faith-based programs, collectively forming a critical part of Michigan’s youth-serving infrastructure.
Programs must:
Serve youth ages 5–18Operate in Southeast Michigan (Livingston, Wayne, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne)Provide programming outside the traditional school day