Applications now open for Youth Neighborhoods Rising Fund 2026
Community Capital Fund (CCF) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Youth Neighborhoods Rising Fund (Youth NRF), a grant program that empowers high school students to design and lead community improvement projects across the Kansas City metro.
Now in its third year, Youth NRF provides grants of up to $5,000 to teams of students—rising sophomores through seniors—who are ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference in their neighborhoods. Projects must be youth-driven and community-centered, with guidance from an adult advisor.
“Youth NRF is about more than just funding—it’s about giving students the opportunity to lead, to build something meaningful, and to connect with their communities in a powerful way,” said Andrew Davis, CCF senior program manager. “We want to help amplify youth voices and give them the tools to turn their ideas into action.”
To help prospective applicants better understand the program, CCF will host two virtual Info Sessions where students, advisors, and community partners can ask questions and learn how to submit a strong application.
Monday, August 18 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Both sessions will be held on Microsoft Teams, and participants can register by sending an email to grants@ccfkansascity.org.
Youth NRF projects must align with one or more of CCF’s core neighborhood revitalization areas, including environmental stewardship, public safety, digital inclusion, celebration of arts and culture, neighborhood clean-ups, social cohesion, and maintaining or creating public spaces. All projects must be completed by July 15, 2026, and take place in a qualifying neighborhood within CCF’s seven-county service area.
Key Dates:
August 8, 2025 – Applications open
September 26, 2025 – Application deadline
October 20, 2025 – Award notifications
October 27, 2025 – Project execution begins
July 15, 2026 – Project completion due
July 31, 2026 – Final reports due
CCF encourages schools, nonprofits, and neighborhood organizations with experience supporting youth to partner with student teams and help bring their project ideas to life.
For more information, visit www.ccfkansascity.org/youthnrf. For additional questions or to register for an info session, email grants@ccfkansascity.org, or call 816-502-9584.