Moving beyond isolated wins to systems-level change
Young Futures exists to ensure that young people's access to the world — through phones, Al, and other technologies— is matched by the strength of human systems around them: families, educators, mentors, and community spaces where they feel known, supported, and safe.
In 2025, our work demonstrated both what is possible and what is required to make meaningful, systemic impact. This includes the YF500, a five-year commitment to support 500 Young Futures Innovators and reach 20 million young people with balanced, connected, and healthy digital experiences.
The 2025 Young Futures Impact Report is our invitation to learn about our progress, our impact, and what's on our 2026 roadmap.
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How we’re making the digital world an easier place to grow up
In 2025, we built a robust pipeline of solutions
+886k
young people reached across the YF Community
338
unique organizations applicants
$3.25M
in nonprofit awards granted
41
YF Innovators funded and supported by the YF Academy
$74,792,826
in funding requests since 2024🔥
While we delivered ~$3.25M, the opportunity for greater impact is clear
Young people are generally happy and mentally well
But, the gap between young people who are "doing okay" and those who are struggling continues to widen.
61%
of youth ages 13-24
describe themselves as
"somewhat" or "very" happy
1 in 3
say loneliness affects their mental health at least somewhat
3x
LGBTQ + youth report poor mental health at almost triple the rate of their peers
72%
of teens have used Al
companions, and 1 out of 3 of
those users experience
discomfort with Al companions
We funded more solutions
This past year, Young Futures grew in both scale and depth. We continued to center youth voices and research while running three funding challenges. Call Me Maybe helps schools and nonprofits create youth-led approaches to phone use in the classroom. Here Comes the Fun showcases programs that use games and digital play to promote learning, connection, and wellbeing. Oops!.. Al Did It Again gives young people agency in navigating artificial intelligence across learning, creativity, relationships, and mental health.
We completed another academy cycle
In 2025, the Young Futures Academy (YF Academy), a five-month accelerator, wrapped its second full Academy cycle with the Under Pressure cohort, culminating in a virtual showcase where each YF Innovator presented their work to funders, partners, and peers.
In the fall, a new Academy cycle brought together 15 YF Innovators from the Here Comes the Fun and Call Me Maybe cohorts. The experience kicked off with an in-person retreat featuring Masterclasses led by nonprofit and fundraising experts, along with structured time for reflection and peer learning. Stepping back from the grind of day-to-day operations gave YF Innovators the breathing room to think about strategy, growth, and scaling their impact.
We put a stake in the ground
In 2025, Young Futures announced a commitment that reflects the scale of what young people deserve: the YF500, a first-of-its-kind philanthropic index fund designed to build a national infrastructure for youth wellbeing in a tech-driven world.
This five-year, $50 million initiative will fund and connect 500 Young Futures Innovators working at the intersection of youth wellbeing and technology.
We amplified, loudly.
YF Studio is our storytelling arm, which serves as a vital bridge, connecting innovative solutions with the teens and families who need them most.
By amplifying practical resources, groundbreaking voices, and actionable research insights, we ensure impactful ideas reach and empower those navigating the complexities of growing up in a tech-driven world. You can find and engage with our stories on LinkedIn, Substack, Instagram, and YouTube and Bluesky.
What could solutions to help young people & their adult champions navigate the digital wilderness look like?
#FindYourWay
with Young Futures
Where are we headed in 2026? On the immediate horzinon, we will launch the Express Yourself Challenge Series, three parallel funding tracks supporting girls, boys, and gender-expansive youth. Together, these challenges explore how digital life is shaping identity, safety, belonging, and self- expression, and invest in organizations helping young people navigate those forces with confidence and care.
In May, we will host the inaugural Young Futures Block Party, a day and a half of celebration, storytelling, and bold field-building, uniting youth leaders, innovators, funders, and partners shaping the future of youth digital wellbeing.
Later this year, we are launching the Groundwork Initiative, a multi-year effort partnering with youth, educators, and community-based organizations,particularly those rooted in communities often overlooked in technology design.
If you're a mission-aligned funder, let's talk: partnerships@youngfutures.org.
A big thank you to our foundational funders
With additional support from our challenge funders
