Apply for the Prebys Foundation Rooted and Rising: Youth Leaders Grant – Application Deadline is 17 April 2026 @Application Deadline is 17 April 2026

The Rooted and Rising: Youth Leaders Grant, offered by The Conrad Prebys Foundation, is designed to strengthen youth leadership and civic engagement in San Diego County, California, USA. This initiative supports programs that empower young people to actively participate in shaping their communities through leadership, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

• Application Deadline: 17 April 2026 (5:00 PM)
• Grant Period: July 2026 – December 2027 (18 months)
• Funding per Grant: Up to $150,000
• Total Funding Pool: $2.5 million
• Estimated Awards: 15–20 grants

This program aims to shift the narrative from youth as passive recipients to active contributors and community leaders.

Programme Vision and Purpose

The initiative is grounded in the belief that a healthy democracy requires active participation, including:

• Volunteering and civic dialogue
• Collective problem-solving
• Shared leadership and community action

The foundation’s vision is to cultivate a generation of young people who:

• Possess the skills, confidence, and knowledge to engage in civic life
• Actively shape inclusive and equitable communities
• Contribute to long-term social and civic development

By investing in youth leadership today, the initiative aims to strengthen the social fabric and future vitality of San Diego communities.

Programme Focus

The grant supports existing or expanding youth leadership programs that combine skill development with real-world civic engagement.

Funded programs should:

• Develop leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
• Provide experiential learning opportunities linked to real community challenges
• Build networks connecting youth to mentors, civic leaders, and career pathways
• Elevate youth voice through storytelling, media, and leadership roles

All programs must include an action project, where participants actively contribute to community solutions.

Priority Areas

Programs are encouraged to address issues such as:

• Health and well-being
• Arts and culture
• Climate resilience
• Democratic participation

Special priority is given to initiatives that engage youth from diverse backgrounds and experiences, ensuring inclusive participation across communities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, fiscally sponsored organisation, or Tribal entity
• Operate within and serve San Diego County
• Serve middle and/or high school-aged youth
• Focus on leadership development, civic engagement, and community problem-solving
• Demonstrate an existing or expanding program (not a one-time initiative)

Project Requirements

Proposals must clearly demonstrate structured programming and measurable outcomes.

Core Requirements:

• Provide ongoing engagement (not one-time events)
• Include an action-based project with real community impact
• Define clear outcomes such as:
  • Number of youth participants
  • Leadership skills developed (e.g., communication, collaboration)
  • Types of civic engagement activities

Youth Voice and Visibility:

• Opportunities for youth to share their experiences
• Use of youth-generated content (videos, social media, storytelling)
• Platforms that elevate youth perspectives and leadership

Preferred Programme Features

While not mandatory, proposals are strengthened by including:

• Youth as co-designers or decision-makers in programme development
• Clear evidence of community impact and outcomes
• Engagement of alumni networks
• Community-informed curricula reflecting participants’ lived experiences

These elements enhance the programme’s ability to create sustainable and meaningful change.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the Fluxx grants portal.

Important Notes:

• New users must register in advance (approval takes 2–3 days)
• Applications are open from 9 March to 17 April 2026
• Office hours are available between 17 March and 16 April for applicant support

Selection Timeline:

• Late May – Early June 2026: Notification of application status
• June 2026: Follow-up discussions and additional information (if required)
• July 2026 – December 2027: Grant implementation period

Why This Grant Matters

The Rooted and Rising initiative reflects a growing recognition that youth leadership is essential to strong communities and resilient democracies. By investing in programs that combine education, action, and empowerment, the foundation aims to:

• Build long-term civic engagement pathways
• Equip youth with practical leadership skills
• Support inclusive and community-driven solutions

This initiative ensures that young people are not only heard but are also actively shaping the future of their communities.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the grants. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.