Healthy Community Initiative

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Investing in Youth

Investing in Youth Grants

Each year HCI funds many grassroots projects led by individuals or groups that help to advance one or more of the Collective Impact Benchmarks to ensure that all children thrive, from cradle to career.

Learn more about the Collective Impact Benchmarks:

Apply for Grant

All grant recipients must complete a final report at the conclusion of the event/activity. Failure to complete and return this form jeopardizes future funding.

What can the grant be used for?

Funds (up to $300) should be used to start new projects, not sustain recurring projects or an ongoing program. Ideally, funds should be used for projects that connect youth with each other and/or with the broader community.

Do I need to be part of an organization to apply?

No, you do not need to be part of a formal group to apply.

When can I apply?

Applications are accepted year-round. Each application is reviewed by board members and a decision on each application is usually determined within days. If you have any questions, or if you need help with an application, please contact Carrissa Glarner, HCI Investing in Youth Grants Coordinator, at carrissa@healthycommunityinitiative.org.

Project Characteristics+–

  • New projects that have not applied for HCI grant funds in the past.
  • Projects that are designed and/or led by youth.
  • Projects that take place over multiple sessions (meeting more than once).
  • Projects that involve youth who do not have access to other opportunities.
  • Projects that connect youth with each other and the broader community
  • Projects that take place after school, on weekends, in the evenings and/or during school breaks
  • Projects that address an emerging need faced by area youth

Ineligible Grant Applications+–

  • We, unfortunately, do not fund capital improvements or capital expenses.
  • Also, in general, our preference is not to support trips, conferences, conventions or retreats, or to cover administrative or event staffing costs.
  • In addition, we generally do NOT fund fundraising events, and grant funds may not be used for event prizes.
  • While a group, organization or individual can apply more than once a year if they have different projects, we expect to fund a specific project no more than one time in any year.
  • We cannot accept applications for any projects or events that have already taken place or are already in progress.
  • Only applications that benefit youth of the Northfield and/or Faribault areas will be considered for funding.

Roger Jenni Youth Grant+–

If your request supports a music-related project, be sure to make a note of that on your application. HCI will award up to two “Roger Jenni Investing in Youth Grants” each year. Each of these grants will be awarded up to $400 to promote the love of music for area youth.