The NC Department of Administration’s State Youth Council and Youth Advisory Council recently awarded a total of $6,292 through the annual Mini Grant Program to 14 deserving North Carolina-based organizations. This year, grantees received funding ranging from $300 to $700 to create peer-to-peer activities for high schoolers within their communities.
“The primary purpose of this program is to foster the leadership and creative skills of our youth, while also nurturing their interest in public service,” said NC Department of Administration Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “I’m always proud to see the level of ingenuity of these student-led projects. It’s not hard to see the immense passion these students have in giving back to their communities.”
Funding is awarded to North Carolina youth councils, local government agencies, non-profit organizations and agencies interested in developing innovative programs that are directed by youth, and involve youth in project development, implementation, evaluation and writing of the grant proposal. Projects funded this year include a toy drive, a five-day student STEM camp, a gang violence prevention program, an anti-bullying and drug prevention campaign and a homeless outreach initiative. Grant recipients include:
- Alta Community Action Association, Raleigh – A $300 grant will help host a summer learning program for area youth to reduce learning loss between the school seasons.
- All About Melanated Excellence, Raleigh – A $600 grant will aid in the development of an art-based afterschool program for local youth. The goal is to enhance the artistic ability of students as well as their social-emotional skills in a safe and supportive environment.
- American Association of University Women (AAUW), Greensboro Branch – A $500 grant will help implement a five-day camp for area youth to sharpen coding, robotics, and leadership skills, while earning volunteer service-learning hours.
- City of Winston-Salem Youth Advisory Council – A $500 grant will help the Council develop a violence prevention campaign targeting local youth. The campaign will promote anti-gang violence across social media and will include the creation of posters and videos to be displayed at local schools.
- Dunn Police Athletic and Activities League – A $500 grant will support an art and athletic program for area youth. Students will learn how to express their ideas using art as well as sharpen their team-building skills through basketball and flag football.
- Finding Food Freedom, Knightdale – A $500 grant will aid in the expansion of the Finding Food Freedom website and the development of resources to address food allergies among children.
- Fountain of Deliverance Ministry, Fayetteville – A $375 grant will support the development of resources and services for youth experiencing economic hardships.
- Girls for Empowerment, Elizabeth City – A $300 grant will help launch a weekly Girl Talk Series. The forum will address topics ranging from bullying, internet and cellphone safety to peer pressure and positive decision making.
- LCL Community Services, Fayetteville – A $217 grant will support Christmas giveaway events in Fayetteville and Como, North Carolina.
- LOVE (Ladies of Virtuous Endeavors), Roxboro – A $500 grant will help develop a holistic prevention campaign addressing topics such as bullying, drugs and alcohol, human trafficking, and teen dating violence among high school students.
- Mooresville Youth Council – A $300 grant will help establish a public art project within the town of Mooresville centered on mental health. The goal is to help spread awareness on this very important health topic and provide educational resources.
- The Sparrow’s Nest Inc. dba The Black Suit Initiative, Greensboro – A $500 grant will help develop necessity kits for homeless families living in the Greensboro area.
- The 21st Century Village Community Learning Center, Inc., Selma – A $500 grant will aid in the development of a nutrition program for children grades K-5. The program will teach youth how fruits and vegetables are grown, how to prepare simple snacks and meals and the benefits of exploring different foods.
- Wilson Youth Council – A $700 grant will support the State Youth Council’s spring convention including supplies for both leadership and teambuilding activities.
The Mini Grant Program was established in 1977 by the Youth Advisory Council which oversees the State Youth Council. All Mini Grant applications are screened and reviewed by State Youth Councils and the Youth Advisory Council. Applications for the 2023-2024 Mini Grant Program will open this fall.
For more information on the Mini Grant Program, or to learn more about the State Youth Council and Youth Advisory Council, visit the NC Department of Administration website for details.
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About NCDOA and the NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement
The NC Department of Administration acts as the business manager for North Carolina state government. Under the leadership of Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell, the department oversees government operations and advocacy programs. The department's advocacy programs help to promote and assist diverse segments of the state's population that have been traditionally underserved. NCDOA’s Council for Women and Youth Involvement division advises the governor, state legislators and state leaders on issues that impact women and youth.