Brief Description:

Each year, the United Way Youth Board accepts applications for $1,000 grant awards to local groups that have created projects having a positive impact on youth (up to age 19). All applications are peer-reviewed by members of the Youth Board, our group of high school students seeking to increase equity, philanthropy and leadership for San Luis Obispo County youth, and improve programs to better serve our community. Youth focused applications that are developed by youth must have an adult ally or mentor and a sponsoring organization if the applicant is not already a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. This organization can be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, school, or faith-based organization. Strong projects allow youth in the group planning the project to gain knowledge and skills. Strong projects will also focus on equity by intentionally addressing racial and other disparities in our communities through implementation of these projects. Through this process, Youth Board will help ensure that our United Way can more effectively fight for the health, education and economic mobility of every person in every community. Equity lives at the core of all our United Way work. Youth Board believes a focus on equity is critical to achieving genuine impact. Selected applications will primarily benefit youth in the community with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion, and should be both creative and realistic.

Description:

2023 Youth Grant Guidelines

United Way of San Luis Obispo County will award three $1,000 grants.

To qualify, projects must have a positive impact on youth (up to age 19) in the community, the group must be located in San Luis Obispo County, and the project must be carried out in San Luis Obispo County. Also, the project will incorporate some youth development principles (such as the 40 Developmental Assets or Children’s Bill of Rights for SLO County). The project will demonstrate a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion.

Student-submitted applications must have an adult ally and a sponsoring organization. This organization can be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, school, or faith-based organization.

Strong projects allow the youth group planning the project to gain knowledge and skills, and will have a focus on equity. It will primarily benefit youth in the community and should be both creative and realistic.

UWSLOC will fund:

 Materials for supplies or physical items you will use in order to complete your project, for example, food, drinks, art supplies, prizes, decorations, equipment rental, space rental, etc.

 Equipment that will likely last beyond the terms of the project, for example, books, games, software, digital cameras, sports equipment, etc.

 Travel expenses including bus passes, van rental, or other transportation fees within San Luis Obispo County.

 Professional services such as fees paid for speakers, entertainers, trainers, or other performers hired as part of your project.

 Communications and outreach including postage, printing, design, copying, and other costs for producing publications or fees associated with media coverage.

Items not considered for funding are:

 Any expenses that are not directly related to carrying out the program.

 Salaries, overhead, or operating expenses incurred by the sponsoring organization or school. No portion of the grant may be used to cover agency fees.

 Projects that discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or physical and/or mental disability.

 Trips outside of San Luis Obispo County.

 Projects to raise personal funds for the planners.

 Reimbursement for supplies already purchased for the project.

Examples of strong programs and projects:

 Mural that brightens up a neighborhood, school or vacant lot.

 Gardening project that trains youth how to run a business.

 School or community magazine that showcases the art and writing of local youth.

 Campaign to promote more nutritious food options in schools.

 Research project that provides information about community resources for young people.

 Campaign to get local liquor stores to stop advertising alcohol and cigarettes to minors.

Grants must be submitted online by 11:59pm. on March 17, 2023.

Project funding will be approved on or around April 1, 2023.

An oral progress report (via Youth Board Zoom meeting) will be required on May 15, 2023.

Projects need to be completed and funds spent by September 30, 2023.

A final report is due November 30, 2023.

Begin Accepting Applications Date:

1/19/2023

Deadline Date (PST Time Zone) :

3/17/2023 11:59 PM