The Youth Grant Initiative teaches curious and passionate individuals about community leadership through hands on philanthropy and grant making. As a member of the YGI cohort, you will create positive change within the community by diving into the world of nonprofit giving and make a difference by awarding community grants.
We believe you have distinct and exceptional insights into the needs of youth in our community! This experience is designed to use your ideas and will have an immediate and meaningful impact within the community.
- Will you be a seventh and eighth grade student in September?
- Do you live in Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas counties?
- Are you ready to try something new, meet interesting people and do good?
- Do you have a passion for your community?
- Do you have a strong connection to athletics?
- Do you understand the importance of outreach and compassion?
If you answered YES to these questions, then we would love to talk to YOU!
Got questions? Join an informational session
- Hear from YGI alumni and foundation committee members about the program.
- Ask questions about anything – the experience and the interview process.
- An in-person information open house will be held at the Multnomah Athletic Cub in May 2025.
Read about what program alumni Loland and Winston have to say about the YGI program here!
What Would you do with $5,000?
Details about the experience
The team, made up of 10 – 12 individuals, awards $5,000 to nonprofit organizations that qualify and apply for the Multnomah Athletic Foundation Community Grant Program.
The team will meet seven times in the fall. The YGI program teaches curious and passionate young people about community engagement through a hands-on experience. As a YGI cohort member, you will learn about philanthropy and grant making, practicing techniques for consensus building and collaboration, and participating in activities around expressing your opinion and teamwork. All this learning will then prepare you to create positive change by evaluating requests and awarding $5,000 worth of community grants.
The Multnomah Athletic Foundation strives to recruit diverse members who vary in race, ethnic background, school, socio-economic level, personal interests, and academic/physical abilities. By the end of the program, the YGI team will collectively make grant award and funding recommendations to the foundation’s Board of Directors.
“Thank you for supporting our decision and supporting these nonprofits and the people they serve.”
“I learned so much about nonprofits, how they work and the decision making processes that I will be able to carry with me into the future. Again thank you for this amazing opportunity, it has helped me see different parts of my life in a new light.”
– Kannon, 2022 YGI cohort
Apply & Recommend
- The online application has four questions and requires an online recommendation submitted from an adult in your life.
- We encourage you to use creativity in your application responses.
- Deadline to apply was May 23, 2025, by 11:30 p.m.
- In-person interviews for each applicant will be held in the first week of June.
- An announcement of the 2025 cohort will be made via email on June 7.