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