Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are groups led by young people between the ages of 15 and 24 that either:
- Are incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with a bank account to receive funds
OR
- Have an incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit fiscal sponsor, with a bank account to receive funds
If you are in need of a fiscal sponsor, please contact us for guidance.
Program Requirements
- Projects must be new and located in the City of Columbus.
- At least three youth (ages 15-24) must be involved in project planning, proposal writing, and project execution. However, the project itself can impact youth and adult residents of all ages.
- Project should target completion by October 31, 2025, but with approval, may be extended to the end of 2025.
- Grant recipients must submit regular reports and documentation of expenditures.
Eligible costs
Materials, supplies and services to implement and promote the project; youth participation costs (e.g. transportation, food); adult project sponsorship costs
Ineligible activities
Projects already ongoing; services covered by existing city initiatives; speaker honorariums and speaker fees; projects that primarily serve religious organizations; indirect costs like rent or utilities; nonprofit incorporation fees; scholarships; direct support to individuals or families; partisan political organizations, candidates, fundraisers, or projects; legislative advocacy or lobbying activities; capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs.
Important: See the Program Guidance(PDF, 2MB) for full details on program requirements and eligible activities.
Unsure if your project idea fits the requirements? Email MLFord@columbus.gov for guidance!