Youth Neighborhoods Rising Fund
Youth NRF Applications Close September 25th!
The 2026–27 Youth Neighborhoods Rising Fund application is open, but the deadline is quickly approaching. Youth teams must submit their completed applications by September 25th, 2026 to be considered for funding.
Empowering youth to transform their neighborhoods
The Youth Neighborhoods Rising Fund (Youth NRF) is a grant opportunity created by youth, for youth.
Now in its third year, this initiative is designed for high school students—rising sophomores through seniors—who want to lead positive change in their communities.
Whether it’s building a community garden, organizing a cleanup, or hosting a cultural celebration, Youth NRF projects are designed, led, and executed by students—giving young leaders a chance to develop skills, build community, and make a lasting impact.
Along the way, participants gain experience in teamwork, budgeting, planning, and civic engagement that will benefit them far beyond the life of the project.
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Youth NRF Information Sessions are designed to help youth teams, adult advisors, and community partners learn more about the program and prepare strong applications.
During each session, we’ll review Youth NRF eligibility, the application process, project requirements, the project pitch video, important deadlines, and common questions. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions and get clarification before the September 25th application deadline.
Session Dates
August 25th, 2026
Virtual Information Session
This session has concluded. View the recording to review the information shared during the session.September 15th, 2026
Virtual Information Session
This session has concluded and covered Youth NRF eligibility, application requirements, deadlines, and opportunities for applicants to ask questions.September 22nd, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Virtual Information Session
This final information session will cover the same core Youth NRF application information and provide one last opportunity for teams to ask questions, receive clarification, and prepare their applications before the September 25th deadline.Who should attend?
Youth team members, adult advisors, school staff, nonprofit partners, and others interested in or supporting a youth-led team are welcome. Youth participation is strongly encouraged.
Register
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Youth NRF funds small but impactful projects created and led by high school students (current and rising sophomores–seniors). Youth teams of at least four students, supported by an adult advisor, can apply for up to $5,000 to design and implement projects that strengthen their communities. Projects must align with one of NRF’s funding areas, including arts and culture, environmental stewardship, public safety, digital inclusion, neighborhood cleanups, social cohesion, public spaces, and parks or gardens
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To be eligible for Youth NRF funding, projects must be led by a team of at least four current or rising high school sophomores–seniors and designed, managed, and executed by youth. Teams must be located in Jackson or Clay Counties (MO) or Johnson or Wyandotte Counties (KS) and supported by an adult advisor.
The primary applicant must be an eligible neighborhood association, community group, 501(c)(3) organization, school district, private school, or charter school in good standing. Projects must take place within CCF’s eligible service area, be completed by the required deadline, and previous CCF grantees must be current on all required reporting.
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Eligible applicants include neighborhood groups, nonprofit organizations, and schools located within CCF’s Missouri and Kansas service area. Projects must take place in qualifying neighborhoods and be completed by July 16, 2027.
2026–27 Youth NRF Timeline
August 7, 2026: Application Opens
August 25, 2026: Information Session
September 15, 2026: Application Technical Support Session
September 25, 2026: Application Deadline
October 26, 2026: Award Notifications
November 2, 2026: Project Execution Begins
July 16, 2027: Projects Completed
July 30, 2027: Final Reports Due
Timeline subject to change.
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How much funding is available?
Youth teams can apply for up to $5,000 to support youth-led projects that strengthen their communities.
What does “youth-led” mean?
Youth-led means students are responsible for developing the project idea, making decisions, planning, and carrying out the work. Adult advisors provide guidance and support but do not lead the project.
What projects can Youth NRF fund?
Youth NRF supports projects designed and led by students that create positive community impact, including arts and culture, environmental efforts, public safety, digital inclusion, neighborhood cleanups, social connection, and public space improvements.
What projects will not be funded?
Youth NRF will not fund projects that are adult-led, primarily benefit individuals, support political activities, are fundraising efforts, do not align with funding priorities, or cannot be completed within the required timeline.
What makes a strong application?
Strong applications demonstrate clear youth leadership, a defined community need, realistic goals and budget, community impact, collaboration, and a plan for successful project completion.
What expenses can funding support?
Funding can support project-related costs such as supplies, materials, outreach, event expenses, and other needs directly tied to completing the project.
Is a project pitch video required?
Yes. Youth teams must submit a short (1-3 minute) project pitch video sharing their project idea, team members, project details, and how they plan to create impact.How do I submit a Youth NRF application?
All Youth NRF applications must be completed and submitted electronically through CCF’s Good Grants platform. Applications submitted by email, mail, or in another format will not be accepted. If your organization has not previously applied for a CCF grant through Good Grants, you will need to create an account before beginning your application.
For questions, email us at info@ccfkansascity.org or call 816-683-4043.