Youth Engagement Grant

Youth Engagement Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Patterson Family Foundation
Amount: US $50,000 - US $500,000
Last Updated: March 20, 2026

Summary

The Patterson Family Foundation is offering funding for programs that engage youth and young adults in rural communities. Organizations located in Kansas or western Missouri are eligible to apply, provided they are 501(c)(3) entities or local government bodies. The foundation encourages projects that foster volunteerism, community service, leadership skills, and youth involvement in the arts. Registration is required before submitting a Letter of Intent starting April 1, 2025, with deadlines for consideration in two rounds.

Overview

Note: The Patterson Family Foundation reviews grant applications in two cycles, allowing us to disburse funds as efficiently as possible. LOIs submitted by February 18th will be considered part of round one and the deadline for these applications will be April 3rd. LOIs submitted after February 18th will be considered part of round two, and the deadline for these applications will be June 29th. Registration is required before applying. This is represented by the pre-proposal deadline above. Organizations will register in the Grants Portal by 12:00 PM (Noon) CST on Feb 13, 2026 for Round 1 consideration and by 12:00 PM (Noon) CST on May 6, 2026 for Round 2. All registration requests are reviewed for eligibility before access to the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) application is granted. Built on a strong foundation. The Patterson Family Foundation was established to reinvest in rural communities and cultivate values of education and hard work for current and future generations. Currently, the Foundation is led by the adult children of the Patterson Family. Youth Engagement Funding for programs that expand the ability to engage youth and young adults in rural communities. Project focus areas could include Getting youth involved in volunteerism, Participating in community service organizations, Gaining leadership experience and skills, and Enhancing youth voices in the arts and local journalism

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Location: Organizations located in or serving a county or community within the Patterson Family Foundation’s Kansas or western Missouri catchment are eligible to apply.  Read more about the Patterson Family Foundation’s philanthropic catchment.Nonprofit Status: Applicants need to be a 501(c)(3) organization, school district, or government entity.Active grantees are eligible to apply.PFF will expect you to explain how the proposed project will not compromise any ongoing work for your current grant.Organizations can request funding for up to 15% of the total budget for indirect costs. Please note that salary and costs related to a specific programmatic activity will be considered direct program costs.

Ineligibility

Projects that will not be considered for funding include:CapitalLobby and/or advocacyFoster care and/or social service agenciesBooster clubs and youth sports teamsScholarshipsWe do not plan to fund for-profit entities through our active grant programs.