Young Futures anticipates awarding 10+ organizations, one-year grants ranging in size from $50,000 to $100,000; a minimum total of $1M. Award amounts will vary based on scope. The grant term will be April 1, 2027-March 31, 2028.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and fiscally sponsored projects with 501(c)(3) status. This includes public schools and universities.

‍

Collaborative proposals are welcomed. For example, a nonprofit with a partnership with another nonprofit or other entity is eligible to apply. While all solutions must lead to outcomes that support youth wellbeing, and must be co-designed and/or co-led with young people, we welcome organizations that are helmed by leaders of all ages.

‍

Grant recipients cannot use funds for lobbying or political activities as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

We are looking for solutions that help young people learn deeply, think critically, and make healthy decisions in an AI-shaped world. We're funding work that strengthens these skills and the conditions that help young people build them—regardless of whether the solution uses AI at all.

No, your solution does not have to be digital (though it can be!)—but yes, it must be directly responsive to digital tension, and you will be asked to address digital

‍

tension directly in your application. Learn more about our perspective on digital tension here.

We prioritize proposals that actively involve young people in the design and development process. This can mean direct input from youth in shaping the experience, participatory research methods, or ongoing feedback loops that ensure the project remains relevant and engaging to its intended audience.

Your solution should have been run with real young people—not just designed or piloted internally—and you should have something concrete to show for it. That could be a pilot with measurable outcomes, survey data showing shifts in confidence or belonging, or attendance and retention numbers suggesting young people are finding value. It doesn't need to be a randomized controlled trial. What we're looking for is evidence that your solution works in practice, not just in theory. If you've been doing adjacent work for years but are proposing something meaningfully new, tell us that story—and show us the early signals that give you confidence it's working.

Grant recipients, aka YF Innovators, will participate in the 5-month YF Academy spanning April-August 2027, including an all-expense-paid in-person retreat, and participation in Masterclasses, Peer Circles, Operations Office Hours, and YF’s virtual community network on Slack. Designated YF Innovators must be 18+ to participate. Learn more about the YF Academy here.

In addition to participation in the YF Academy, YF Innovators must submit a mid-year report and an end-of-year report detailing their progress towards goals and challenges encountered.

We’re open to both, and grantseekers will be asked to specify which type they are requesting. Project-specific funding supports a defined initiative that aligns with this challenge, while general operations funding provides flexible support for an organization’s broader mission. 

‍

You’re likely a good fit for project-specific funding if your proposed solution is one of multiple programs within a more established organization, especially if your other initiatives don’t directly align with this challenge’s focus. 

‍

General operations funding may be a better fit if your proposed solution is both core to your organization’s mission and directly aligned with the focus of this challenge.

‍

No, organizations may only submit one proposal for each Young Futures funding challenge. Young Futures will continue to run challenges each year centered on empowering pre-teens and teens to thrive in a tech-driven world.

15% is allowed for indirect, inclusive of the award.

Yes! Prior applicants (with the exception of current Young Futures grant recipients with an active grant term) are eligible to apply to this funding challenge.

Complete our eligibility quiz, which will be available on our website beginning September 23, 2026.

Upon successfully completing the quiz, you will be given a link to access the application.

Applications will be accepted from September 23—October 16, closing at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.

Finalist interviews will take place between December 1 to 15, 2026. 

Awardees will be notified in February 2027, and funds will be disbursed starting in April 2027. 

‍

‍