RFAs: Riley’s Way Foundation Call for Kindness (C4K) Fellowship Program (US)

Deadline: 01-Mar-2026

The Call for Kindness (C4K) Fellowship by Riley’s Way Foundation empowers young leaders aged 13–23 to design and lead social impact projects that foster kindness, empathy, and community. Fellows receive up to $5,000 in startup funding, mentorship, coaching, virtual skill-building, and an in-person leadership retreat to develop projects addressing food insecurity, equity, civil discourse, animal well-being, performing arts, and more.

Overview of the Fellowship

The C4K Fellowship Program supports youth in building leadership skills while driving meaningful change in their communities. It combines hands-on project work with professional development, fostering empathy, social responsibility, and innovation.

Key features of the fellowship:

• 12-month leadership development program

• Startup grants up to $5,000 for project implementation

• One-on-one coaching and mentorship

• Monthly virtual skill-building sessions

• Access to a peer network of youth changemakers

• In-person leadership retreat

• Opportunities for continuation grants for ongoing support

Focus Areas

Fellows’ projects can focus on:

• Kindness, empathy, and community engagement

• Youth leadership development

• Food insecurity and equitable access to nutritious food

• Animal well-being

• Civil discourse and constructive dialogue

• Equity in law and legal education

• Dance and performing arts

The program includes General and Special Categories, with mission-aligned awards in 2026:

• Food Insecurity Community Award: Up to 10 projects tackling food insecurity through community-driven solutions

• A Kinder World for Animals Award: Projects supporting animal well-being and human-animal connections

• Civil Discourse & Connection Innovation Award: Projects fostering respectful dialogue and mutual understanding

• Equity in Law Award: Projects addressing systemic barriers, legal education, and equitable access to justice

• Yuriko Kikuchi Arigato Award: Projects using dance or performing arts to inspire kindness and community change

Who is Eligible?

• Age: 13–23 years old

• Scope: Young leaders at any stage of their project journey—idea stage or already underway

• Participation: Projects may include up to two fellows per project

Funding Details

• Startup Grant: Up to $5,000 per project

• Continuation Grants: Additional support for ongoing projects

• Project Scope: Community-based initiatives addressing fellowship focus areas

Fellowship Activities

Fellows participate in a comprehensive program including:

• Monthly virtual skill-building sessions covering storytelling, leadership, team building, fundraising, and personal well-being

• One-on-one coaching and project support

• Peer collaboration with other youth changemakers

• In-person leadership retreat to develop leadership and networking skills

• Guidance on creating sustainable, long-term impact

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Identify Your Project Idea: Focus on a community issue you are passionate about.

2. Select a Fellowship Category: General, Special, or Sponsored Category aligned with your project.

3. Submit an Application: Include project description, goals, target audience, and expected outcomes.

4. Participate in the Program: Attend monthly virtual sessions, coaching, and the in-person leadership retreat.

5. Implement Your Project: Use your startup grant and fellowship resources to bring your project to life.

6. Optional Continuation Grant: Apply for ongoing support if the project shows potential for long-term impact.

Why This Fellowship Matters

• Empowers youth to lead positive change in communities locally, nationally, or globally

• Provides financial support, mentorship, and skill development for project implementation

• Encourages projects that foster kindness, empathy, and civic engagement

• Supports innovative solutions to pressing social issues like food insecurity, equity, and social cohesion

• Builds a network of youth changemakers for long-term collaboration

Common Tips

• Clearly define your project goals and expected outcomes

• Align your initiative with one of the fellowship’s focus areas

• Highlight community impact and sustainability

• Engage mentors and peer collaborators early to strengthen project design

• Plan for active participation in virtual and in-person fellowship activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the C4K Fellowship?
Young leaders aged 13–23 years across the country.

2. How many fellows can be part of one project?
Up to two fellows per project.

3. What is the maximum startup grant?
Up to $5,000 per project, with continuation grants available for ongoing support.

4. Are there special categories for 2026?
Yes, including Food Insecurity, Animal Well-being, Civil Discourse, Equity in Law, and Dance/Performing Arts awards.

5. What does the fellowship program include?
Monthly virtual skill-building, one-on-one coaching, peer collaboration, and an in-person leadership retreat.

6. Can projects be at any stage of development?
Yes, projects can be at the idea stage or already underway.

7. How many projects will be selected in 2026?
Up to 50 youth-led projects will be awarded.

Conclusion

The Call for Kindness Fellowship provides young leaders with the resources, mentorship, and funding to create meaningful social impact. By combining financial support, leadership development, and peer networks, the program helps youth turn ideas into tangible projects that promote kindness, community engagement, and positive change across diverse focus areas.

For more information, visit Riley’s Way Foundation.