[Greater Worcester Community Foundation](https://greaterworcester.org)

November 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Project budgets must be under $40,000; typical grant supports one-year youth-led projects.

Supports youth-led projects in Worcester County addressing education, health, basic needs, and environmental action, with authentic youth engagement required.

--- ## Description The Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) Fund, managed by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation's teen philanthropy committee, provides annual grants for youth-focused projects in Worcester County. The program emphasizes authentic youth engagement—projects must be designed, led, or requested by young people, with youth holding meaningful decision-making roles. Funding priorities include expanding educational resources, improving health and wellbeing, meeting basic needs, and promoting environmental action. The fund aims to empower youth voices and support initiatives that address critical needs in the community. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Project budgets must be under $40,000. - Grants typically support one-year projects. - Funding is intended for discrete, youth-led initiatives within the specified budget cap. --- ## Eligibility - Projects must prioritize authentic youth voice: designed by youth, led by youth, and/or requested by young people, with youth having decision-making power. - Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor. - Organizations must be based in Worcester County, and projects must benefit Worcester County residents. - Total project budgets must not exceed $40,000. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [Greater Worcester Community Foundation grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=greaterworcester). - Review the [YCI Fund grant page](https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/competitive-grant-opportunities/youth-for-community-improvement-yci-fund) for updated guidelines and application instructions as the next cycle approaches. - Finalists may be invited to participate in a discussion with the YCI committee. - All proposals must clearly articulate how youth are involved in leadership and decision-making. --- ## Additional Information - Funding priorities for the upcoming cycle are determined by the current YCI teen cohort and may evolve annually. - Projects may focus on (but are not limited to): college readiness, mental health, basic needs (food, housing, hygiene), and environmental action. - The fund is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on meaningful youth participation. --- ## External Links - [YCI Fund Program Page](https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/competitive-grant-opportunities/youth-for-community-improvement-yci-fund) - [Greater Worcester Community Foundation Grant Opportunities](https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/competitive-grant-opportunities) - [Grant Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=greaterworcester) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|---------------| | Amaris Gonzalez | Program Officer for Youth and Families | [agonzalez@greaterworcester.org](mailto:agonzalez@greaterworcester.org) | 508-755-0980 | | Sarah Shugrue | Director of Grantmaking and Capacity Building| [sshugrue@greaterworcester.org](mailto:sshugrue@greaterworcester.org) | 508-755-0980 | | General Inquiries | Grants Office | [grants@greaterworcester.org](mailto:grants@greaterworcester.org) | 508-755-0980 |

Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) Fund

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