12 Grants for Youth and Children’s Programs You Can Apply for Right Now

Nowadays, youth and children’s programs are struggling with funding. The lack of funds to cover personnel, supplies, and essential operating expenses prevents a great number of life-altering projects from ever getting underway. So here in this article, we have gathered 12 current grants you can apply for now. This will also include the details to help you decide if they fit your work.

12 Grants for Youth and Children’s Programs

Here is the list of 12 Grants for Youth and Children’s Programs that you can apply for:

S.No.	Grant Name	Focus Area	Who Can Apply	Region / Country
1	Youth Empowerment Grant for Education and Health	Education, child health, environment, refugee support	Nonprofits, community groups	Global
2	Community Youth Development Grant	Community building, youth confidence, safe spaces	Local nonprofits, youth organizations	Global
3	Summer Enrichment Program Grants	Summer camps, after-school activities	Nonprofits, schools, community orgs	Global
4	Demonstration Grants for Indian Children and Youth	Native youth education and development	Education bodies, nonprofits	USA (Native communities)
5	Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF)	Youth-led SDG projects	Youth aged 14–30 in eligible countries	Global
6	CYFAR Grants	At-risk youth & families	Community-based programs	USA
7	Youth.gov / Grants.gov Search	Search tool for youth/family grants	Open to all	USA
8	Instrumentl’s Youth Program Database	Database of youth-focused grants	Nonprofits, schools, community orgs	Global
9	King County Youth & Amateur Sports Grants	Youth sports, recreation	Local sports & recreation groups	USA (Washington State)
10	Rooted in Justice Grants	Youth justice programs	Community orgs	USA (Mississippi)
11	Infosys Foundation Grants	Education, healthcare, arts, livelihoods	Nonprofits, institutions	India
12	Sir Ratan Tata Trust Grants	Education, culture, and rural development	Organizations & individuals (in some cases)	India

1. Global Fund for Children Grants

The Global Fund for Children invests in grassroots organizations worldwide that work directly with vulnerable children and youth. They support programs focusing on education, gender equality, and child protection.

• Focus areas: Education, children’s rights, gender equality

• Grant size: Varies depending on project scope

• How to apply: Submit proposals via the Global Fund for Children website

2. UNICEF Small Grants Program

UNICEF provides small-scale funding for organizations that improve children’s health, education, and safety. This grant is perfect for NGOs working in underserved communities.

• Focus areas: Child health, nutrition, education

• Grant size: $5,000 – $20,000

• Eligibility: Registered NGOs, schools, and community projects

3. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Youth Grants

If your program is about arts and creativity, the NEA youth grant can help. It funds music, dance, theater, and visual arts projects that inspire children and youth.

• Focus areas: Arts and cultural education

• Grant size: $10,000 – $100,000

• Location: U.S.-based programs

4. Youth Service America (YSA) Grants

YSA supports youth-led community service projects. These micro-grants are aimed at young leaders who want to make a difference in their communities.

• Focus areas: Community service, leadership, civic engagement

• Grant size: $500 – $2,000

• Eligibility: Youth-led projects, schools, and nonprofits

5. Save the Children Innovation Fund

The Save the Children Innovation Fund backs innovative projects that improve child rights, education, and early childhood development.

• Focus areas: Education, innovation, child protection

• Grant size: Up to $50,000

• Apply: Online via Save the Children portal

6. Kellogg Foundation Youth Development Grants

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports early learning, youth leadership, and equity programs. They focus on projects that break barriers for disadvantaged children.

• Focus areas: Equity, early education, leadership

• Grant size: $25,000 – $100,000

• Eligibility: Nonprofits and schools

7. Nike Community Impact Fund

Nike funds youth sports programs that encourage physical activity and teamwork. If your program is sports-driven, this grant is ideal.

• Focus areas: Sports, physical health, youth empowerment

• Grant size: $5,000 – $20,000

• Location: U.S. and select global regions

8. USAID YouthPower Grants

USAID’s YouthPower program funds youth-focused projects in education, workforce development, and civic engagement.

• Focus areas: Education, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment

• Grant size: Up to $250,000

• Eligibility: Registered NGOs and institutions

9. LEGO Foundation Grants

The LEGO Foundation funds programs that promote learning through play. Perfect for schools and nonprofits aiming to make education engaging.

• Focus areas: Play-based learning, child development

• Grant size: $20,000 – $100,000

• Apply: Via the LEGO Foundation website

10. Ford Foundation Youth Empowerment Grants

The Ford Foundation supports programs that focus on youth empowerment, equality, and social justice.

• Focus areas: Equality, leadership, social change

• Grant size: $50,000 – $300,000

• Eligibility: Nonprofits, advocacy groups

11. World Bank Youth Innovation Fund

This fund supports youth-led projects that address climate change, education gaps, and employment opportunities.

• Focus areas: Innovation, environment, education

• Grant size: $10,000 – $50,000

• Eligibility: Youth organizations and nonprofits

12. Starbucks Foundation Youth Action Grants

The Starbucks Foundation funds youth-driven projects that promote community development, mentorship, and leadership.

• Focus areas: Volunteering, community leadership

• Grant size: $5,000 – $15,000

• Eligibility: Nonprofits, schools, and youth-led groups

How to find the right grant for you?

The money isn’t the only consideration when selecting a grant. Before applying, be sure you check the following:

• Eligibility: Can your kind of organization and area apply for the grant?
• Purpose: Does your initiative align with the objectives of the funding? Such as education, the arts, or sports?
• Funding Size: Will it be sufficient to meet your needs? Or will you need to supplement it with more funding?
• Deadlines: Can you have everything ready in time?
• Grant Duration: Is it a one-time payment or ongoing assistance for some years?

Why These Grants Matter

Grants for youth and children’s programs are more than just money—they represent an investment in the future. They help organizations:

• Expand educational opportunities

• Create safe spaces for children

• Encourage leadership and creativity

• Support health and well-being

• Reduce poverty and inequality

FAQs

1. What are the best grants for youth programs in 2025?
Some of the top options include Global Fund for Children, UNICEF, LEGO Foundation, and USAID YouthPower Grants.

2. Can individuals apply for these grants?
Yes, some grants allow youth-led individual applications, but most require an organization.

3. Are these grants international?
Many are global, but some, like the NEA and the Nike Community Impact Fund, are regional.

4. How much funding can I expect?
Grants range from $500 to over $300,000, depending on the program.

5. Do I need nonprofit status?
Most grants require nonprofits, but some accept schools, youth groups, and community initiatives.