Youth Grant Program

Geographic Scope: VyStar Credit Union service areas including Georgia, North Florida, and Central Florida

Focus Areas:

• Equitable access to creative learning environments
• Food and housing assistance for youth
• Career counseling and skill development (workforce experience and education leading to long-term career pathways)
• Mental health support
• Academic success and personal growth programs
• Wraparound services for at-risk youth
• Programs serving youth ages 12-18

Strategic Pillar: Youth - Empowering youth by providing equitable access to creative learning environments

Eligibility Requirements

General Criteria:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity
• Located or provide benefits to communities within VyStar Credit Union service areas
• Must align with at least one of VyStar Foundation's strategic giving pillars
• Must clearly articulate organizational impact with measurable outcomes
• Must demonstrate ability to measure, track, and report program outcomes
• Minimum of one full year of program services and outcomes required

Exclusions:

• Religious denominations or congregations (unless serving diverse, nonsectarian populations)
• Organizations that discriminate based on race, creed, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or veteran status
• Political action committees, political causes, or candidates
• Organizations with conflicts of interest due to employee/board member affiliations
• Organizations posing reputational risk to VyStar

Funding Information

Total Pool: Approximately $200,000+ available (varies by cycle; 2025 cycle distributed $202,621)

Number of Awards: Determined by Board of Directors based on application quality and impact

Selection Criteria

Grant decisions made by Foundation staff and Board of Directors based on:

• Review and alignment with VyStar Foundation's Strategic Giving Pillars
• Program innovation and design
• Impact in the community
• Method to measure and track program outcomes
• Clearly articulated sustainability plan beyond Foundation funding
• Evidence of financial stability
• Evidence of collaboration to leverage resources

Contact Information

Mailing Address: VyStar Foundation, P.O. Box 45085, Jacksonville, FL 32232-5085

Tax ID: 87-2247208

Background

The Youth Grant Program has funded organizations supporting programs including:

• Food and housing assistance
• Workforce experience and education pathways
• Creative learning environments
• Mental health services
• Academic support and tutoring
• Mentorship programs

Application Process

Step 1: Review Grant Cycles
View upcoming grant cycles to confirm the Youth Grant Program is open for funding consideration. The next cycle opens August 31, 2026.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Review general eligibility criteria and program-specific requirements

Complete the VyStar Foundation eligibility questionnaire to confirm organizational eligibility

Step 3: Submit Online Application
Submit a complete online application through VyStar Foundation's online portal with all required materials and information.

Application Requirements

Required Materials:

Online application form (submitted via portal)

Evidence of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Demonstration of organization's impact in the community or with targeted youth audience

Description of how the organization measures, tracks, and reports program outcomes

Evidence of minimum one full year of program services and outcomes

Proof of location/service area within VyStar Credit Union's service territories

Clearly articulated project description and sustainability plan

Evidence of financial stability

Evidence of collaboration efforts (when applicable)

Submission Method: Online portal only

Critical Deadline: All applications must be received by the specified closing deadline (specific time typically 5 p.m. EST based on Military cycle pattern)

Important Dates

• Application Opens: August 31, 2026
• Application Deadline: Specific deadline to be announced when cycle opens
• Information Sessions: Will be announced when cycle opens

Award Notification

Applicants will receive email notification of decisions. Award letters will communicate Board decisions and include information on contingencies or pre-funding requirements. Declination letters generally do not specify reasons for denial.

Post-Award Relationship

Successful grantees can expect:

Open and honest communication with Foundation staff

Regular communication to discuss progress and outcomes

Foundation may request assistance on pursuits outside the grant

Potential connections with other organizations doing similar work

Foundation support to help ensure grantee success