Applications for the YCI Fund are now open and close on December 18.

The Foundation's teen philanthropy committee, Youth for Community Improvement (YCI), awards annual project grants in areas they deem as critical in our community. 
 

2026 Priorities

The 2025-26 YCI cohort has identified the following priorities for this year's grant cycle:

1) Educational Resources

Seeking projects that expand access to education and representation, especially for underserved students. Examples include:

• College Readiness- Programming that supports SAT prep, scholarship application support, college trips, application support etc…
• Post- secondary & Career Readiness- Programming that supports job shadowing, internships, hiSet prep etc…
• Civic Education: social justice, advocacy, youth-led initiatives, community projects
• Specialized Educational Services: ESL classes, free tutoring

2) Health & Wellbeing

Funding initiatives that support youth mental and physical health. Priorities include projects focused on increasing access to Care in the following areas:

• Behavioral & mental health care
• Addiction rehabilitation & counseling
• Services for victims of domestic violence
• Navigating teen pregnancies 

3) Basic Needs

Supporting programs that provide essentials for vulnerable families and youth:

• Free meals for students (e.g., after-school, summer programs)
• Food/housing support for unhoused individuals
• Hygiene products and seasonal clothing

4) Environmental Action

Youth-led projects that reduce pollution and protect community health. Examples include:

• Recycling, waste Reduction, and clean-up efforts
• Air/water quality awareness campaigns
• Climate action and conservation education

Youth Voice

All proposals must speak to youth voice, meaning that the project/program/organization engages young people in an authentic manner on the scope of work.

Youth voice is the empowerment of young people through leadership roles, holding decision making power, and/or involvement of youth in program organization.

Eligibility, Scope & Limitations

• Proposals must prioritize youth voice (the project is designed by youth, led by youth and/or requested by young people. Young people should have decision-making power in the project).
• Total project budgets under $40,000.
• Projects must be led by organizations who are a 501c3 or have a fiscal sponsor.
• Organizations must be based in Worcester County. The project must benefit residents of Worcester County.

How to Apply

The deadline to apply is Thursday, December 18.  Finalists will be notified on January 8 and invited to participate in a conversation with the YCI committee on either January 21, February 4, or February 25.