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

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.

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.

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.