$50,000
https://youthengagementfund.org/
Led by young women of color former organizers under the age of 35, YEF is the only donor collaborative focused on deepening and expanding youth civic engagement led by and for young people of color. Young people are transforming our democracy as highly motivated and engaged civic participants. They also facilitate engagement of their familial, community, and social networks. In 2019, 85% of YEF’s grantee cohort was led by Executive Directors of color and 50% of those were women of color. We are uniquely positioned to catalyze and facilitate greater philanthropic investment in building political participation and civic activism among young people of color to accelerate progressive social change. YEF provides a leadership role in the philanthropic universe that ensures the voices of youth-focused organizations are heard and are advancing leading civic engagement efforts, especially Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) and historically disenfranchised communities working towards activating their youth peers and communities into civic participation. YEF works with state-based organizations, state tables, foundations, organizational and donor partners, and highlights the importance of emerging youth leaders of color in a continuously shifting political landscape. YEF provides monetary grants, serves as a connector and convener, engages in capacity building and technical assistance to ensure youth-led groups are equipped with the tools, relationships, and structures for success.