If you work with a nonprofit that serves young people, you probably know how hard it can be to find reliable funding. You're doing important work, helping kids grow, learn, and feel safe, but keeping the lights on and the programs running often means chasing grants, donations, or both.
In this guide, we’re breaking down how to find grants for nonprofits serving youth, what funders are really looking for, and how to give your applications the best chance at success. We’ll also point you toward some programs that are a great fit for youth-focused nonprofits and show you how to make your work stand out.
Funding priorities and focus areas for youth programs
When funders choose who gets a grant, they’re not just picking names from a hat. They’re looking for programs that match their own goals and values, what they call “funding priorities.” If you want to stand out, it helps to understand what those priorities are and how your work fits in.
A lot of youth-focused funders care deeply about things like education, health care, mental health, and helping kids in tough situations. Some focus on life skills for teens. Others are big on equity, supporting young people of color or those living in under-resourced communities.
We’ve seen that the nonprofits that win these grants usually do two things really well. First, they show that their programs are already making a difference. Second, they explain how more funding will help them grow that impact. You don’t need to be perfect or have a huge staff. You just need to be clear about the problem you’re solving and the difference you're trying to make.
If your mission lines up with what a funder cares about, and you can show it, you're already halfway there.
Examples of successful program types
Over the years, we’ve worked with lots of nonprofits focused on kids and teens, and we've noticed some patterns. Certain types of programs tend to catch funders' attention more often, not because they’re flashy, but because they meet real, urgent needs.
One strong example is school-based programs, especially ones that help students with tutoring, meals, or emotional support. Funders also love to support after-school activities, like sports, arts, or STEM clubs. These programs keep kids safe and engaged during those tricky hours after school and before parents get home.
We’ve also seen grants go to high school leadership programs, especially those that build confidence, job skills, or help teens apply for college. Another growing area is support for young people dealing with substance abuse, trauma, or mental health challenges. If your nonprofit helps youth get counseling or connect to services, you’re speaking to a big need.
And don’t overlook smaller organizations that work with kids of color or focus on specific neighborhoods. Funders are paying more attention to equity, and they want to back programs that understand their communities from the inside out.
The key? Show that your program is already making a difference, even in a small way, and that you have a clear plan to grow with the right support.
Top grant programs supporting children and young people
There are a lot of grants out there, but only some are a good fit for youth-focused nonprofits. Over time, we’ve seen a few programs come up again and again because they fund the kind of work that really helps kids thrive.
Some of the biggest players are private foundations. For example, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports programs that focus on early childhood, racial equity, and helping families build strong futures. The Robin Hood Foundation is another one, focused mostly in New York City, but they’re serious about fighting poverty and improving education for young people.
The Daniels Fund is great if you're in Colorado or surrounding states. They fund character development, drug prevention, and education. Then there’s the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, which supports grassroots groups, especially those working for equity and justice. It’s not just about ice cream, they really care about kids and communities.
If your nonprofit works locally, regional funders like The Dallas Foundation, WHAS Crusade for Children, or The Skillman Foundation might be more your speed. They tend to fund nonprofits in their area, so your chances are better if you already serve that community.
One more note: many of these funders don’t just look at what you're doing, they care how you’re doing it. Are you close to the community? Are you listening to the kids and families you serve? That’s what makes your work stand out.
Grant programs focused on people of color and marginalized youth
If your nonprofit serves young people of color, immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ youth, or others who often get left out, there are funders out there specifically looking to support your work.
One we’ve seen do powerful things is the Global Fund for Children. They focus on grassroots groups that are already part of the communities they serve. That means if you're a small nonprofit working closely with kids in your neighborhood, you're exactly who they want to hear from.
The Skillman Foundation is another example. They’ve put real money behind youth programs in Detroit that focus on equity, education, and leadership. Foundations like this aren’t just funding programs, they’re investing in young people who haven’t always had a seat at the table.
We’ve also noticed a shift in recent years. More funders are starting to include questions about equity in their applications. They want to know how your nonprofit supports racial justice or creates access for youth who’ve been left behind by traditional systems, especially in schools, healthcare, or the justice system.
So if your work lifts up young people facing bigger barriers, don’t hold back. Be clear about who you serve and why. This kind of honesty and focus isn’t just accepted now, it’s expected, and it sets you apart in the best way.
Regional opportunities for local nonprofits
You don’t always have to chase big national grants. In fact, some of the best opportunities for youth-focused nonprofits come from right in your own backyard. Local and regional funders often prefer to support groups that already have roots in the community.
We’ve worked with nonprofits who found success by applying to community foundations, like The Columbus Foundation or The Dallas Foundation. These groups know their regions well and are often looking for small to mid-size nonprofits serving local kids. If you're already doing the work, that gives you a real advantage.
Statewide platforms like GrantWatch or tools like Instrumentl let you filter grant opportunities by region. That means you can find funding available just for your state, city, or even your school district. We've seen this make a big difference for smaller nonprofits who don’t have the time to compete for national dollars.
Another tip? City or county agencies sometimes offer grants that don’t get a lot of press but are a perfect fit for youth development programs. These are often tied to public health, education, or juvenile justice, so it’s worth checking in with your local government or school board, too.
The point is, staying local isn’t playing small. In many cases, it’s the smartest move you can make.
How to apply for grants for youth-focused nonprofit organizations and schools
Applying for grants can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re running a small team and juggling a dozen other things. But once you break it down, it’s really about telling your story clearly and showing why your work matters.
Start by explaining what your organization does and who you help. Funders want to see that you understand the needs of the kids and families you serve, and that you have a program in place that actually works. You don’t need to be fancy. Just be specific. What problem are you solving? What’s different because of your work?
Next, outline your existing program and how you’ll use the grant to grow or improve it. Maybe you want to expand your after-school hours, bring in a mental health specialist, or buy supplies for a teen art workshop. Whatever it is, make it real and concrete. Funders need to see that you’ve thought it through.
We’ve seen nonprofits win grants just by showing that they’re part of the community and have a strong plan. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be clear, honest, and mission-focused.
And if you’re stuck, reach out for help. Many funders are open to quick questions, and tools like Harness can keep all your donor info, stories, and past successes in one place, so pulling together a strong application gets a whole lot easier.
Budgeting for impact
Let’s be honest: budgets can be intimidating. But when it comes to grants, your budget is just another way to tell your story. It shows how you plan to use the money, and how every dollar will support young people in a meaningful way.
You don’t need a finance degree to do this well. Just be clear and realistic. Start with the basics: staff time, program materials, transportation, food, or anything else that keeps your work going. If you’re applying for a small grant, keep it focused, don’t try to do everything. Funders want to see impact, not overreach.
We’ve seen great applications that ask for just what’s needed to run an existing program more smoothly. For example, hiring a part-time program coordinator for a high school mentorship group, or buying equipment for a youth sports league. When your numbers match your goals, it builds trust.
Also, think about in-kind support or other funding you already have. If a school is providing space or a local business is donating snacks, mention it. Funders like to know they’re joining a community of support, not covering everything alone.
Most importantly, show how your budget connects to results. You’re not just asking for funding, you’re showing what that funding will do. That’s what makes the difference.
Compliance and reporting expectations
Once you get the grant, your job’s not done, but don’t worry, reporting doesn’t have to be a headache. Funders want to see that you followed through on your plan, used the money wisely, and made an impact. That’s really it.
Most grants will ask you to share a simple report at the end of the funding period. This might include how many kids you served, what activities you ran, how you spent the money, and what changed because of the program. Photos, quotes from participants, or short success stories can go a long way here.
Some funders may check in along the way, especially with bigger grants. That could mean short updates or budget snapshots. The key is to stay organized from day one. Save your receipts, track attendance, and keep a few notes on how things are going.
This is where technology helps. We’ve seen a lot of nonprofits use Harness to keep everything in one place, donor info, campaign results, impact stories, so pulling together reports is faster and cleaner. No more digging through spreadsheets or lost documents.
Remember, reporting isn’t just about checking a box. It’s a chance to show off your hard work and build a relationship with your funder. When they see that you deliver on your promises, they’re more likely to fund you again.
Why starting small still matters
When you're applying for grants, it's easy to think you need to have everything figured out, a big budget, tons of staff, polished marketing materials. But that’s just not true. Some of the most impactful youth programs we’ve seen started with just a few volunteers, a simple idea, and a lot of heart.
Funders aren’t just looking for size. They’re looking for focus, trust, and follow-through. If you’re already showing up for your community, running workshops in a church basement, helping kids with homework at the library, or getting teens into summer jobs, that matters. Don’t wait until everything feels “big enough” to apply.
The truth is, starting small makes you nimble. You know your neighborhood. You hear what kids are asking for. You’re not guessing, you’re responding. And when you can show even small wins with limited resources, it helps funders see how a little more support could go a long way.
So apply anyway. Even if the grant seems out of reach. Tell your story honestly, explain your vision, and let your work speak for itself. You may be more ready than you think.
Building trust
Working with young people is powerful, but it’s also hard work. You’re not just running programs. You’re filling in gaps, building trust, and helping kids grow up with more opportunities than they might’ve had otherwise. That deserves support.
Finding and applying for grants takes time, and it’s okay if it feels like a lot. The good news is, there are funders out there who care about the same things you do, and they’re looking for nonprofits just like yours. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be clear, focused, and ready to share the impact you’re already making.
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve got what it takes. Keep showing up. Keep telling your story. Keep building something strong for the next generation. The support will come.
And when you're ready to take things to the next level, Harness is here to make the journey easier.
