Teen Philanthropy Initiative accepting grant applications
Student participants in KidsMatter Teen Philanthropy Initiative program will again be offering $10,000 in grant funding to local nonprofits that benefit youth in the Naperville/Chicago area. A request for proposals opened Thursday, Oct. 22.
Proposals are due Monday, Nov. 9. Individuals may request funding up to $1,500, with applications available at kidsmatter2us.org.
Eligible projects must meet at least one of the following criteria: directly benefits young people in the Chicago area, involves young people in the planning, organizing and/or delivery of the program/project, or includes a learning component that teaches participants about the purpose of the applicant organization. Applicants must be recognized as a 501(c)(3), or have a fiscal agent with 501(c)(3) status, in order to receive funding.
Creating the RFP and awarding grant funds is part of the learning experience for the 42 high school juniors who are participating in their first year of the two-year Teen Philanthropy Initiative (TPI) program. TPI, which KidsMatter launched in 2023, gives juniors and seniors hands-on experience in philanthropy, including grantmaking, fundraising and strategic volunteerism.
Once applications are received, students will work under the mentorship of Naperville-area business and nonprofit leaders, and TPI Program Coordinator Janet Sommerville, to review proposals, conduct site visits and determine allocation of funds. TPI will inform recipients of the TPI grants in February or March, 2027. Students will award grants to recipients on April 28, 2027 at the Teen Philanthropy Initiative capstone ceremony. Visit the kidsmatter2us.org/teen-philanthropy-initiative to see a listing of past grant recipients.
While junior TPI participants are learning about the nonprofit sector and allocating grant funds, seniors are learning about raising money and launching a 9-month fundraising campaign. Funds this year’s seniors raise are used to support the program’s expenses, with the goal of also being able to increase the amount of grant funding available.
Teen Philanthropy Initiative is an affiliate of the Oak Park-based Three Pillars Initiative, a national nonprofit that aims to provide teens with comprehensive leadership skills and experiences so the next generation can sustainably impact community philanthropy and civic improvement during their lifetime.
For details about the Teen Philanthropy Initiative, visit kidsmatter2us.org/teen-philanthropy-initiative. To request funding through this year’s RFP, visit kidsmatter2us.org/teen-philanthropy-initiative/tpi-rfp/.
About KidsMatter:
Recognized as Naperville’s proactive, youth oriented human service organization, KidsMatter’s mission is to build resilient kids who say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to endless possibilities. Established in 2001, KidsMatter has received the Naperville Chamber of Commerce 2014 “NFP of the Year” Award, 2015 “AT&T Investing in Illinois Award” and Illinois Principals Association 2016 “Building School Community Bridges Award” for its work helping young people build developmental assets including positive values, healthy relationships, and self-esteem.
With programming focused on preventing problems in the lives of youth before they start, KidsMatter equips youth and families with essential tools to manage the societal pressures and stress of everyday life through dynamic school and community programs, practical education, resources, and youth recognition. A community leader among nonprofits, KidsMatter harnesses the power of partnership with parents, educators, and an extensive network of community resources to help kids and families thrive.