Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) Fund
The YCI Fund supports youth-led projects in Worcester County that address education, health, basic needs, or environmental action, with youth leadership and engagement as a core requirement.
Funder: Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027
Funding Amounts: Typical project budgets up to $40,000; annual awards; one-year grant period.
Summary: Supports youth-led projects in Worcester County focused on education, health, basic needs, and environmental action, requiring authentic youth engagement.
Key Information: Project must prioritize youth voice and leadership; applicants must be 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor.
Description
The Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) Fund is an annual grant program of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, managed by its teen philanthropy committee. The fund is designed to empower young people to lead, design, and influence projects that directly impact their peers and communities in Worcester County. Funding priorities include educational resources, health and wellbeing, basic needs, and environmental action. A core requirement is that projects must authentically engage youth in leadership and decision-making roles, ensuring that youth voice is central to the initiative.
