The grant proposal submission period for the 2024 Youth Volunteer Summer Service Grant is closed. 

Purpose

The Rapides Foundation's Social Environment Initiative seeks to address social capital by supporting leadership and nonprofit development and increased community engagement. In Fall 2016, the My Civic Life program was launched.

My Civic Life is designed to achieve the following objectives:

  • Provide linkages among students, schools and nonprofits for community service.
  • Build leadership and 21st-century skills among high school students.
  • Promote student achievement of Louisiana Department of Education Community Service Diploma Endorsement.
  • Foster a commitment to being engaged in the community and make volunteerism a lifelong habit.

The program is comprised of three components:

  • High school- and community-based service clubs use the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) model to facilitate service learning opportunities and increase soft skills.
  • Leadership development opportunities.
  • Online platform to connect youth with volunteer opportunities in their local communities.

To support the My Civic Life Program, The Rapides Foundation is accepting applications from nonprofits, municipalities and other community-based organizations to serve as host sites for the 2024 Youth Volunteer Summer Service Grant. Awards of up to $5,000 are available to organizations located within The Rapides Foundation's nine-parish service area. This grant opportunity is designed to provide participating partners with sufficient funds to implement the community service club component of the My Civic Life program and to integrate community service clubs into local summer programs.

YVC is a nationally recognized community service nonprofit, and The Rapides Foundation is the only YVC affiliate in Louisiana. The YVC model is designed to serve the needs of the community; to engage teams of youth in volunteer service projects that are challenging, rewarding and educational; to foster the development of 12st-century skills such as critical thinking, project planning, collaboration/teamwork and necessary soft skills; to promote a greater understanding of diversity in their community; and to inspire youth to a lifetime ethic of service. To date, more than 1,200 students in Central Louisiana high schools have completed over 18,000 community service hours through their local YVC Clubs. 

Grant Awards

Grant awards of up to $5,000 are available. Grant activities are prescriptive and applicants agree to complete all required activities by applying. Any organizations that are unable to complete all required activities will receive a reduced grant award. The grant term will be from June 1, 2024, through August 31, 2024. In addition, each grantee will be required to attend a one-day, in-person training on the YVC service model at The Rapides Foundation building. 

All funded activities must be offered in The Rapides Foundation's nine-parish service area. Applicants should thoroughly review the Summer Service Application and other key documents included in the Key Materials section (in right column) to see full details. This is a competitive grant application and all applicants may not be funded.

Eligibility Requirements

Nonprofits, municipalities and other community-based organizations operating within The Rapides Foundation's nine-parish service area are eligible to apply. Applicants should have existing youth programming or past experience working with youth.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Classified as a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code or a governmental entity. 
  • Cannot be a private foundation under Section 509(a).
  • Must be an organization within The Rapides Foundation Service Area.

Proposal Submission Process

Organizations interested in becoming a host site for the 2024 Youth Volunteer Summer Service Grant should complete the Summer Service Application using the Foundation's online application process. A copy of your organization's Youth Protection Policy, IRS Form 990, member list of Board of Directors, and a completed Summer Service Signature Page will need to be uploaded into the online portal.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact The Rapides Foundation for guidance before submitting their application. Contact information is located in the right column.

Key Dates

  • Friday, April 19, 2024, no later than 1:00 p.m. CT: Application Submission Deadline
  • Friday, May 24, 2024: Notification of Selection
  • Monday, June 1, 2024: Grant Start Date
  • Thursday, August 31, 2024: Grant End Date 

Submit an Application

The application submission period is closed.

Key Materials

Please review thoroughly before applying.

Contact

Prospective applicants are encouraged to schedule a call or meeting with Foundation staff with any questions about the 2024 Youth Volunteer Summer Service Grant.

For questions related to this funding opportunity, contact:

Dallas Russell
Program Officer

Phone
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