Youth-Led

Grantmaking Project

We’re putting funding decisions where they belong: in the hands of Milwaukee’s youth.

Milwaukee youth know what their communities need most - and now, they’ll have the power to fund it.

The Youth-Led Grantmaking Project, launched this March, gives young people ages 14–24 the opportunity to direct funding toward youth-serving projects that matter most to them.

“This initiative is all about trust. We’re trusting young people to identify what matters most in their communities and to move resources where they’ll have an impact.”

Maria Hamidu, Youth Forward MKE Project Manager

How It Works

This grant puts young people in the driver’s seat, giving them the resources to bring their ideas to life. Young leaders (ages 14–24) who are connected to a youth-serving organization with 501(c)(3) status are invited to apply.

We’re looking for projects that have a clear community benefit, are youth-driven and adult-supported, and align with our priority areas: youth leadership, mental health, data and research, and systems change. Applicants will have the chance to get feedback, ask questions and strengthen their proposals before submission, making this a true learning and leadership experience.

Evaluation

Four young leaders - drawn from our Autonomous Youth Council and partner organizations - make up our Youth Review Panel. Together, they will score the proposals, provide feedback and recommend which projects should receive funding, ultimately allocating five $4,000 grants to deserving projects.

The Grantmaking Conference

The project kicked off with an in-person conference on March 28, bringing together youth applicants and grantmakers for a day of hands-on learning and collaboration. Participants will build skills in grant writing and review, strengthen their project ideas and learn how real funding decisions are made. Youth will leave with authentic connections and a deeper understanding of how to foster change in the nonprofit space.

Grant Timeline

March 2026

A Youth-Led Grantmaking conference was held on March 28, followed by the launch of the grant application.
April 2026

Virtual office hours, where applicants have the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback.
May 2026

All grant applications due by May 3 at noon. Winners will be notified at the end of the month.
June 2026

Milwaukee Succeeds releases grant funds to organizations and teams, and projects commence.
July 2026

Milwaukee Succeeds team checks in with each grantee on their progress toward grant execution.
August 2026

The project concludes at the end of the month, followed by a formal evaluation of the entire process.

Special Thanks

We’re grateful to the Milwaukee County Office of Equity for their generous $10,000 investment in our Youth-Led Grantmaking Project. Because of their support, we’re able to fund more ideas, tackle bigger projects and help young leaders make an even greater impact in their communities.