Youth Program – Building Resilience Grant

Youth Program – Building Resilience Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Hawai'i Community Foundation
Amount: Up to US $25,000
Last Updated: March 07, 2025

Summary

The Youth Program – Building Resilience Grant, offered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support organizations focused on the healthy development of youth. With a funding capacity of up to $25,000 annually for two years, the grant emphasizes mentorship, mental health support, and access to resources for youth aged 6-20 at risk for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This initiative seeks to foster resilience and positive social connections among Hawai‘i's youth.

Overview

Our Mission We inspire generosity, advocate for equity, forge connections and invest in community to create a better Hawai‘i. Youth Program – Building Resilience Overview The Rev. Takie Okumura Family Fund was established at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) in 1990, by members of the Okumura family with the intent to continue the charitable works of Rev. Okumura in modern times. The Advisory Committee for the Okumura Family Fund explored the work of Rev. Okumura considering carefully what had guided his charitable activities and decided to focus on the healthy development of Hawai‘i’s young children and youth. This funding opportunity specifically focuses on youth. The Advisory Committee will review applications and make recommendations for grants for programs that are most consistent with the purpose and priorities of the fund. Background Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are “potentially traumatic experiences, such as neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, and having a family member attempt or die by suicide, that occur in childhood (birth to 17) that can affect children for years and impact their life opportunities.” Children and youth that experience ACEs have increased risk for poor academic achievement, chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance use in adulthood. The CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study found that there is a powerful, persistent correlation between the more ACEs experienced and the greater chance of poor outcomes later in life. Research found that ACEs create toxic stress that triggers biological reactions that lead to these negative health outcomes. This study also found that some populations are more vulnerable to experiencing ACEs because of social and economic conditions. The Kids Count Data Center reports in 2018-2019, 16% of children in Hawai‘i experienced two or more adverse experiences. The pandemic may be amplifying some ACEs for youth. There are risk factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing ACEs and protective factors that protect people and decrease the possibility of experiencing ACEs. Risk factors include families experiencing high levels of parenting or economic stress, families with high conflict and negative communication styles, and families with caregivers who were abused or neglected as children. Protective factors include children who have positive friendships and peer networks, children who have caring adults outside the family who serve as mentors/role models, and families that engage in fun, positive activities together. Youth-serving organizations serve an integral role to help prevent ACEs. Program Priorities The focus of this program is to build resilience for Hawai‘i’s youth. Proposals should align with one or more of the following priority areas to engage youth at risk for ACEs ages 6 – 20: Connect youth to caring adults and activities – Provide mentorship opportunities during expanded learning sessions (after school, intersession, and summertime). Provide a safe place where youth can positively interact with other youth and adults to build confidence and practice leadership skills. Preferred mentorship target population is youth in middle school, grades 6-8.Teach healthy relationship skills – Teach social emotional learning skills including how to handle conflict(s), negative feelings, and pressure from peers. Teach skills for developing healthy, nonviolent dating and peer relationships.Provide mental health support – Including innovative engagement of health professionals including, but not limited to, hiring mental health staff to support programs.Expand access to programs for youth in communities with limited activities available. Funding Grants will be up to $25,000 per year for a two-year period starting July 2022. This fund will award up to $300,000 in total each year.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Hawai‘i nonprofit organizations that are 501(c)(3) IRS tax exempt organizations or programs with a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status.

Ineligibility

Organizations currently funded by HCF with overdue final reports are not eligible to apply.Programs not likely to be funded: Major capital programs Funds for an endowment or for the benefit of specific individualsWhat does Hawai'i Community Foundation generally not fund:Endowments Loans Individuals (with the exception of the scholarships program) Large capital projects (with rare exceptions) Funding after an event has occurred