American Youth Services Grant Program
Forecasted
American Youth Services Grant Program supports disadvantaged youth and adults in Mendocino County through group experiences in nature that foster personal enrichment, exploration, and stewardship.
Funder: Community Foundation of Mendocino County
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Fall application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $1,000–$7,500 per award; grants awarded in spring and fall
Summary: Supports group experiences in nature that encourage personal enrichment and exploration among disadvantaged youth and adults in Mendocino County.
Key Information: Applicants must serve Mendocino County residents and meet charitable-entity eligibility requirements or apply through an eligible fiscal sponsor.
Description
The Community Foundation of Mendocino County administers the American Youth Services Fund, established in 2022 to continue the legacy of the American Youth Services nonprofit organization. The program supports group experiences in the natural environment for disadvantaged youth and adults, with priority given to outdoor experiences for youth and young adults.
Priorities include introducing youth to Mendocino County’s distinctive environment and ecosystems, deepening connections to the Earth or Creation, encouraging personal faith and spiritual exploration, and inspiring stewardship of lands and oceans. Projects should foster individual well-being, shared welfare, and communal participation. The program also considers travel outside the county to experience nature and other cultures, and Mendocino Coast programs that improve young people’s quality of life, healthy mindset, and positive contributions to the world.
