Youth Philanthropy Grant Guidelines

A partnership between the Black Hills Area Community Foundation and the Rapid City Youth City Council

The Mission of Youth Philanthropy is to create a community of high school students who want to make the world a better place by supporting nonprofit organizations that focus on the wellbeing of our community.

Eligibility
Applicants must be an IRS 501(c)3 public charity, school, government entity or religious organization. Requested support must be for organizations or activities that take place in Rapid City.

What Types of Projects Are Funded?

The focus of the Youth Philanthropy grant will focus on programs that support youth, with priority given to applications that address issues around mental health and overall mental wellness. You can request support for ongoing or new programs/projects. Requests can support projects, programs, and capacity building. Please do not submit any request of support for operational expenses (i.e., staffing or overhead) or capital campaigns.

What Types of Projects Are NOT Funded?

• Grants will not be awarded to support religious activity, political activity, fundraisers or benefits, debt retirement, or organizations working to primarily influence legislation. 
• Supported activities may NOT discriminate against any individual or group based on race, gender, gender expression, age, disability, religion, ethnic or national origin, or otherwise legally protected groups.
• Funding for multi-year projects or support will not be considered.
• Grant funds cannot be sued for reimbursement of any expenses incurred prior to the grant notification date.
• Please do not submit any requests of support for capital campaigns.

Grant Review Criteria
In reviewing applications, the Youth Philanthropy Grant Committee will consider the following criteria:

Does the organization and its related efforts improve the quality of life and meet identified needs of youth in Rapid City?

Does the organization maximize community resources through cooperation, collaboration, and shared learning?

      Does the organization support diversity, inclusion, and ​equity?

Other Considerations

The maximum allowable grant designated within this opportunity is $2,500.

Youth Philanthropy will not accept solicited requests for additional support beyond the 1-year grant period.

Youth Philanthropy appreciates receiving recognition for support for your organization's initiative in any media reports or new articles. Your publicity can go a long way toward attracting new donors so that we can fund even more great community projects.

Grantmaking Process and Timeline
All applications will be reviewed by the Youth Philanthropy Grant Committee. Notice of grant decisions will be communicated to all applicants within a reasonable amount of time after the Youth Philanthropy Grant Committee have made their decisions. Those organizations chosen to receive a grant will be asked to sign a grant agreement within a week of being notified of their grant award and will be responsible for providing a brief final report at the completion of the grant related work or within 30 days following the completion of the grant year.

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