[Barry Community Foundation](https://www.barrycf.org)

October 15, 2026 | March 15, 2027

Up to $300 per mini-grant; short-term, project-based funding.

Supports youth-led educational projects in Barry County schools, fostering youth engagement in community philanthropy.

Application must be written and submitted by Barry County youth; only projects benefiting Barry County youth are eligible.

--- ## Description The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Mini Grants program, administered by the Barry Community Foundation, provides small grants to support educational projects and programs at the elementary and secondary school levels within Barry County, Michigan. The program is youth-driven, with Barry County youth actively participating in both the application and grantmaking process. The primary goal is to introduce students to the mission of a community foundation, encourage youth volunteerism, and provide meaningful educational opportunities that benefit local youth through school-based initiatives. --- ## Due Dates - October 15, 2026 (for grants awarded in December) - March 15, 2027 (for grants awarded in May) All applications must be received by these deadlines for consideration in each corresponding award cycle. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant amount: **$300 per mini-grant** - Funding is intended for short-term, project-based educational or extracurricular activities that benefit Barry County youth. - Grants are typically awarded twice per year. --- ## Eligibility - **Applicants:** - Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, school club, or classroom group operating in Barry County, MI. - Application must be written and submitted by a Barry County youth (student); teacher/advisor and principal signatures are required. - **Projects must:** - Address youth issues or benefit youth in Barry County. - Be educational or extracurricular in nature (e.g., classroom projects, student newspapers, special sports/music projects). - Be planned and led by students; teacher/administration-only projects are not eligible. - **Priority is given to:** - Projects that conduct additional fundraising. - Projects positively impacting a significant number of youth. - First-time applicants. - Projects incorporating the Forty Assets Program for Healthy Communities. --- ## Application Process 1. **Confirm Eligibility:** Ensure your organization is a 501(c)(3) or a school-based group in Barry County and that a youth is leading the application. 2. **Prepare Application:** - Describe the organization, project, intended use of funds, and impact. - Include a detailed project budget and other sources of funding if applicable. - Obtain required signatures from student, teacher/advisor, and principal. 3. **Submit Application:** - Download and complete the application form: [YAC Mini Grant Application](https://formsbcf.org/view.php?id=99325) - Submit online, or send a hard copy to the Barry Community Foundation office. 4. **Review and Award:** Applications are reviewed by the Youth Advisory Council and approved by the Foundation; award notifications follow the biannual cycle. --- ## Additional Information - A final report is required upon completion of the funded project. - Site visits may be requested to verify project completion. - Attachments such as proof of nonprofit status or organizational documents may be required depending on applicant type. - For grades 1 and 2, teachers may assist or write applications after class discussion. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Grant Details](https://www.barrycf.org/grant/youth-advisory-council-yac) - [Online Application Form](https://formsbcf.org/view.php?id=99325) - [YAC Program Overview](https://www.barrycf.org/community-engagement/community-partnerships/yac/) - [Contact Barry Community Foundation](https://www.barrycf.org/about/contact-us/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |--------------|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------| | Sam Waller | Program Associate | [Email Me](https://www.barrycf.org/about/contact-us/?scroll=true&departmentContact=Sam-Waller) | (269) 945-0526 | | Foundation Office | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.barrycf.org/about/contact-us/) | (269) 945-0526 |

Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Mini Grants

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