DoSomething Grants: $500 for youth

Know a young library nerd with a great idea that can improve your community? C'mon, sure you do.

In their words: 

"DoSomething.org is the country's largest not-for-profit for young people and social change. We have 1,666,208 members (and counting) who kick ass on causes they care about. Bullying. Animal cruelty. Homelessness. Cancer. The list goes on. DoSomething.org spearheads national campaigns so 13- to 25-year-olds can make an impact - without ever needing money, an adult, or a car. Over 2.4 million people took action through DoSomething.org in 2012. You know, because apathy sucks."

DoSomething's grants have a rolling deadline; one $500 grant is awarded every week. 

 

Eligibility: In order to be eligible to apply for a Do Something Grant applicants must be 25 or younger and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen. One may apply for as many grants as one would like, but one can only win ONE grant from within a 12 month period.

Purpose: What Makes A Strong Grant Application?

1. Youth Led And Driven. The Grant Applicant Is In Charge Of Or Plays A Very Active Role In Designing, Leading And Implementing The Proposed Project.

2. Measurable Change. The Grant Applicant’s Project Strives Toward Tangible Results And Measurable Impact. The Applicant Has Clear Goals And A Focused Plan Of Action For Reaching Them.

3. Community Focus. The Grant Applicant’s Project Focuses On Improving Community Problems And Engaging And Involving The Community In Their Project . How An Applicant Defines His Or Her “community” Is Up To Him Or Her.

4. Long-term Problem-solving Action. The Grant Applicant’s Project Can Be A One-time Event Or An Ongoing Program; Either Way, It Should Strive To Make Lasting Change In His Or Her Community.

5. Creativity. The Grant Applicant’s Project Is Creative, And Demonstrates An Original Idea For Solving Problems And Creating Change In Their Local Communities.

6. Diversity. The Grant Applicant’s Project Promotes Diversity And Brings Different Kinds Of People Together.