[William T. Grant Foundation](https://wtgrantfoundation.org)

April 2024 | April 2025 | April 2026 | April 2027

$25,000 per award; one-year project; ~6 grants awarded annually.

Supports NYC nonprofits in improving the quality of direct services for youth by addressing challenges at the point of service.

Only youth-serving nonprofits located in NYC’s five boroughs are eligible; projected dates—confirm on program page.

--- ## Description The Youth Service Improvement Grants (YSIG) are designed to help youth-serving nonprofit organizations in New York City enhance the quality of their direct services for young people ages 5 to 25. The program specifically supports targeted improvements at the point of service—where staff interact directly with youth—by enabling organizations to address identified challenges or gaps that impact youth experiences. In addition to grant funding, the Foundation provides technical assistance and opportunities for peer learning among grantees. --- ## Due Dates - April 2024 (anticipated/projected) - April 2025 (anticipated/projected) - April 2026 (anticipated/projected) - April 2027 (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is $25,000. - Project duration: one year (projects begin September 1 of the award year). - Approximately six grants are awarded annually. - Grantees also receive technical assistance and participate in peer learning cohorts. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet **all** of the following criteria: - Be a community-based nonprofit physically located in one of NYC’s five boroughs. - Serve youth ages 5–25; at least 80% of youth in the targeted program must fall within this age range. - Staff must have direct, programmatic contact with youth at the point of service. - Hold independent 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or have a fiscal sponsor with proper documentation. - Organizational budget (for youth-only organizations): $250,000–$5 million (prior year). - For multiservice organizations (serving youth and others): total budget under $20 million, with youth services budget between $250,000 and $5 million. - Submit audited or certified financial statements and IRS Form 990 (from applicant or fiscal sponsor). - Organizations previously funded under this program cannot reapply until 18 months after the end of their last award. **Priority consideration** is given to organizations that: - Serve youth in one of 11 high-risk NYC community districts (see guidelines for list). - Offer programming specifically for Mexican-descent or LGBTQ+ youth. - (Recent cycles) Are led by executive directors or CEOs who are people of color and/or LGBTQ+ (not required, but prioritized). **Not eligible:** - General operations, planning, needs assessment, or evaluation-only projects. - Activities not focused on point-of-service improvements (e.g., board development, financial systems). - Capital projects, scholarships, endowments, lobbying, real estate purchases, or awards to individuals. - Program expansions or new program creation. - Public and private schools. - Organizations based outside NYC’s five boroughs. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the Foundation’s online portal. - Applicants must use Foundation-provided forms (available on the [YSIG program page](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/funding/youth-service-improvement-grants)). - Required materials include: - Background information (1 page) - Narrative (6 pages: program background, rationale for improvement, improvement plan) - Improvement project budget and justification - Organization and (if applicable) youth services budgets - List of institutional funders - List of board of directors - Most recent audited/certified financial statement - IRS Form 990 - 501(c)(3) tax-exempt letter See the [current or most recent application guidelines](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/funding/youth-service-improvement-grants) for detailed instructions. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must be feasible within a one-year period, starting September 1. - Grantees receive technical assistance and join cohort-based learning sessions. - Strong proposals clearly identify a service delivery problem, present a feasible improvement plan, and outline sustainability beyond the grant period. - Applications are reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee once per year. --- ## External Links - [YSIG Program Overview & Guidelines](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/funding/youth-service-improvement-grants) - [2026 Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Application-Guide-YSIG.pdf) - [Online Application Portal](https://wtg.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp) - [Recent Awarded Grants](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/the-library/?_sft_format=grants&_sft_program=youth-service-improvement-grant) - [NYC Community District Profiles](https://communityprofiles.planning.nyc.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@wtgrantfdn.org | | Phone | +1 212-752-0071 | | Mailing Address | 60 East 42nd Street, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10165, USA | | Program Page | [wtgrantfoundation.org/funding/youth-service-improvement-grants](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/funding/youth-service-improvement-grants) | | Contact Form | [Contact the Foundation](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/contact) |

Youth Service Improvement Grants

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