Good Money for Good Works
Grants and Scholarships for Youth Volunteers
According to the most recent statistics from the Corporation for National & Community Service, 2011 saw the number of volunteers reach its highest level in five years. During that time more than 64 million Americans volunteered in a formal organization, including a considerable number of youth. Collecting, preparing and distributing or serving food represented nearly 24 percent of their volunteer activities.
Youth volunteers continue to play a huge role. Current trends show that while there has been some fluctuation between 1991 and 2011, overall there is a modest upward trend among students in grades 8, 10 and 12 who report volunteering at least once per month.
While, for the vast majority of youth volunteers, service is its own reward, opportunities to earn money for “good works” do exist. Whether parents and students are looking for college scholarships or simply seed money to grow the impact of their volunteer efforts, here are four sources of funding worth exploring.
Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarships
The Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarships recognize and reward students (ages 5 to 25) who have made a significant impact in the fight against hunger. The scholarship recipients each receive $5,000 for their education as well as a matching $5,000 grant in their name for the hunger-related charity of their choice. Up to five students will be selected as national winners and receive a trip to Washington, DC to be recognized for their volunteer work. Deadline: December 5, 2013
YSA - Sodexo Foundation Youth Grants
Understanding that one in five children in America is at risk of hunger, YSA (Youth Service America) and Sodexo Foundation work to address the issue by involving kids to be a part of the solution. Together they offer Sodexo Foundation Youth Grants, funding of up to $500, for youth-led projects that bring together young people, families, and other community members to address childhood hunger during Global Youth Service Day April 11 – 13, 2014. Deadline: January 31, 2014
Bake It Forward Service Grants
Bake It Forward Service Grants were created by Amy and Emma Bushman, youth founders of Bake Me Home. This grant program is designed to promote volunteerism and encourage kids to be creative and get involved with community organizations. Youth entering grades 2 through 9 apply for grants of $100 each for a charity of their choice that serves children in Ohio. Applicant must perform a summer service project for a charity that benefits children. Application Period: December 1, 2013 – September 10, 2014
Katie's Krops has over 60 youth-run gardens growing, from Maine to Hawaii, and has donated tens of thousands of pounds of fresh produce to organizations that help people in need. Its mission is to start and maintain vegetable gardens of all sizes and donate the harvest to help feed people in need, as well as to assist and inspire others to do the same. Youth, ages 9 to 16, can apply for a $400 grant from Katie’s Krops to start a vegetable garden in their community. Application Period: January 1, 2014 – February 28, 2014
