Deadline: 19-Apr-24
The Rapides Foundation is accepting applications from nonprofits, municipalities and other community-based organizations to serve as host sites for the Youth Volunteer Summer Service Grant.
The Rapides Foundation’s Social Environment Initiative seeks to address social capital by supporting leadership and nonprofit development and increased community engagement. In Fall 2016, the My Civic Life program was launched.
This grant opportunity is designed to provide participating partners with sufficient funds to implement the community service club component of the My Civic Life program and to integrate community service clubs into local summer programs.
YVC is a nationally recognized community service nonprofit, and The Rapides Foundation is the only YVC affiliate in Louisiana. The YVC model is designed to serve the needs of the community; to engage teams of youth in volunteer service projects that are challenging, rewarding and educational; to foster the development of 12st-century skills such as critical thinking, project planning, collaboration/teamwork and necessary soft skills; to promote a greater understanding of diversity in their community; and to inspire youth to a lifetime ethic of service. To date, more than 1,200 students in Central Louisiana high schools have completed over 18,000 community service hours through their local YVC Clubs.
Objectives
- My Civic Life is designed to achieve the following objectives:
- Provide linkages among students, schools and nonprofits for community service.
- Build leadership and 21st-century skills among high school students.
- Promote student achievement of Louisiana Department of Education Community Service Diploma Endorsement.
- Foster a commitment to being engaged in the community and make volunteerism a lifelong habit.
Components
- The program is comprised of three components:
- High school- and community-based service clubs use the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) model to facilitate service learning opportunities and increase soft skills.
- Leadership development opportunities.
- Online platform to connect youth with volunteer opportunities in their local communities.
Funding Information
- Grant awards of up to $5,000 are available. Grant activities are prescriptive and applicants agree to complete all required activities by applying. Any organizations that are unable to complete all required activities will receive a reduced grant award. The grant term will be from June 1, 2024, through August 31, 2024. In addition, each grantee will be required to attend a one-day, in-person training on the YVC service model at The Rapides Foundation building.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nonprofits, municipalities and other community-based organizations operating within The Rapides Foundation’s nine-parish service area are eligible to apply. Applicants should have existing youth programming or past experience working with youth.
- Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Classified as a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code or a governmental entity.
- Cannot be a private foundation under Section 509(a).
- Must be an organization within The Rapides Foundation Service Area.
For more information, visit The Rapides Foundation.