Northfield YouthBank
For Youth, By Youth
YouthBank is an innovative youth philanthropy program in which a team of trained youth grant-makers award funds to youth-led projects that will improve the quality of life in Northfield.
Real Lives, Real Money, Real Change
Young people are the lifeblood of YouthBank. It is their energy and imagination that drives and implements all aspects of the grant program.
Adult Advisors provide on the ground skills training to make this activity possible and work with local organizations and donors to ensure young people involved have access to necessary guidance and resources to make their dreams come to life.
This unique, and simple method of involving young people in community activities, shifts the power, money and attitudes to demonstrate the value of participatory grant-making at a grassroots level based on a simple, flexible and transferable idea – that YouthBank is a fund run by young people to support practical, youth-led projects that address issues that matter to them to improve their communities: Real Lives. Real Money. Real Change.
Our Impact
To learn more about the impact YouthBank has had here in Northfield and why you would want to join the team to help us continue this work, take a look through the grants we have given out in the past.
See All Funded Grants
The YouthBank Grant Round is Now Closed. Check back for the next grant round this fall.
We evaluate grant applications on the following criteria:
- Youth-led: This means a group of at least 3 young people have the idea, apply for the money and make it happen.
- Clear and realistic plan to meet your goal.
- Good value for money.
- Has a positive impact on young people in our community.
- Addresses issues of equity within our community.
- Each grant must use a minimum of $500.
Your application will be scored on the following: Quality of Idea, Value for Money, the Role of Youth, the Project’s Impact, Addressing Equity, and Group Preparedness.
Some of the projects YouthBank has funded in the past include: the NHS Boxing Club, Huck’s Ultimate Frisbee, Students Supporting Students Care Packages; the Black Student Union book club; the Environmental Club, the Social Anxieties podcast, an LGBT+ support group; funding for a turf field, music events and a washer and dryer at the Key; revitalizing a park by Viking Terrace, and Marnita’s Table, Red Yarn Stories and Game Night events.
Want to Expand Your Reach? We need your voice!
Applications are currently closed. Check back spring 2025 for our next application window.
Northfield YouthBank will be looking for new team members for the upcoming school year. If you want to make your community better, come join us!
If you are between the ages of 14 and 19 and live in the Northfield School District or attend a Northfield school we are eager to meet you!
YouthBank grants money to youth-led projects in the community. If you join us, you will get all the training and knowledge you need to work with the team to make informed decisions that will lead to real change for youth here in Northfield.
We have given out $169,000 over the past 9 years to projects that youth thought of and made happen!
That is real money leading to real change – come be a part of it!
Questions?
Send an email to northfieldyouthbank@gmail.com.