Youth Grants

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of high school students from across the tri-county capital region. The YAC keeps tabs on the most pressing issues that affect teens age 12-18 by conducting a Youth Survey and awarding grants to support programs that help teens deal with these issues.

The top three issues facing teens in 2026 are: 

• Substance Abuse (especially vaping)
• Teen Mental Wellness (depression, anxiety, stress, bullying/cyber bullying)
• Violence (especially gun violence)

YOUTH GRANT DETAILS:
 

The 2026 Youth Grant application period is December 3, 2025 - February 4, 2026 at 5 pm.

Applicant organizations must provide statements of revenue and expenses for the past two fiscal years. (See an EXAMPLE)

CRITERIA: Youth Grant proposals must predominantly benefit teens in the tri-county capital region of Michigan.

The YAC will review all applications and discuss the merits of each one and its alignment with the YAC's top issues. Applicants may be asked to participate in a virtual interview with the teens in the Youth Advisory Council sometime in April. 

All applicants will be notified of the council's decision in early May.

SAMPLE YOUTH GRANT APPLICATION (for review only - do not submit)

Youth Grant Budget worksheet - downloadable fillable PDF template