Youth NRF

Applications for the 2025-26 Youth NRF cohort closed on Sept. 26, 2025

Empowering students 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.

Youth-led teams of four or more students, with the guidance of an adult advisor, can apply for up to $5,000 to carry out community-based projects that align with one of NRF’s core funding areas:

  • Celebration of Arts and Culture

  • Environmental Stewardship

  • Public Safety

  • Digital Inclusion

  • Neighborhood Cleanups

  • Membership Development + Social Cohesion

  • Creating or Maintaining Public Spaces, Parks + Gardens

Eligible applicants include neighborhood groups, nonprofit organizations, and schools located in Community Capital Fund’s seven-county service area across Missouri and Kansas. All projects must take place in qualifying neighborhoods and be completed by July 15, 2026.

2025-26 Youth NRF Cohort — Application Timeline:

  • Aug. 8, 2025 – Application Opens

  • Aug. 18, 2025 – Info Session 1 — Watch a recording

  • Sept. 16, 2025 – Info Session 2

  • Sept. 26, 2025 – Application Deadline

  • Oct. 20, 2025 – Award Notifications

  • Oct. 27, 2025 – Project Execution Window Begins

  • July 15, 2026 – Project Completion Due

  • July 31, 2026 – Final Reports Due

For questions, email us at grants@ccfkansascity.org or call 816-502-9584.