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Northfield YouthBank

About YouthBank

For Youth, By Youth

YouthBank is an innovative 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

Apply for a Northfield YouthBank Grant!

Ever wanted to do something about an issue that affects young people in your community? Have a good idea for an activity or project that would make a difference for others? If the answer is “yes,” you can apply to Northfield YouthBank for a grant of up to $10,000 to make it happen!

Our theme for 2024-25 is “level the playing field.” Project ideas could include:

  • Equipment sheds for sports teams or supplies for youth-led camps.
  • Updating youth spaces to make them more welcoming.
  • Establishing a scholarship fund.
  • Leading an initiative to increase access to an important resource (what that resource is, is up to you).

These are only a few ideas — we know you’ll think of something unique!

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.

The fall 2024 YouthBank grant round is now closed. Thanks to everyone who submitted an application.

Want to Expand Your Reach? We need your voice! 

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!

Applications are currently closed. Check back spring 2025 for our next application window.

How does YouthBank help youth?+–

On top of funding valuable community projects, YouthBank helps young people develop essential life skills and prepares them for future careers. Members of the granting committee are responsible for engaging in community research, fundraising, promoting grant opportunities, reviewing requests for funding and engaging in the decision making process, working alongside young people in promoting their work, writing reports and engaging with grant recipients to learn what worked well.

Commitment to anti-racism+–

Northfield YouthBank continues to work on educating ourselves and those around us on the far-reaching effects of systemic racism.

Two of YouthBank’s core values are equity for all and youth empowerment. We strive to amplify the voices of all youth, but especially those who are underrepresented. All too often, black voices are silenced by a society built on a foundation of systemic racism. Black lives matter, and we stand in solidarity with the black community and with those who are advocating for justice. Dramatic changes must occur in order to build a better, more equitable society.

Racism doesn’t just disappear because people post about it for a week. We should all strive to advocate for racial equality and justice every day of our lives. We pledge to continue our own education and share links to resources, places to donate, and educational tools, as well as highlighting youth who are taking action everyday in the fight against racism. We continue to discuss how our organization can best use its resources to serve you. Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or recommendations.