The Call For Kindness (C4K) Fellowship is a leadership development program created by Riley’s Way Foundation to support youth-led projects that promote kindness and social impact. Riley’s Way is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young leaders to use kindness, empathy, and meaningful connections to create positive change in their communities. Through the Call For Kindness Fellowship, the organization provides financial support, professional development, and connection-making opportunities for youth between the ages of 13 and 23 who are leading impactful projects across the United States.

The primary purpose of the Call For Kindness is to identify, fund, and support youth-led projects that address pressing issues in their communities while fostering leadership growth. Selected fellows will receive up to $5,000 in project funding along with a year-long Leadership Development Fellowship that builds leadership and professional skills, facilitates relationship-building among young changemakers, and provides targeted support for their projects. The funding is disbursed in two parts, with half distributed at the beginning of the Fellowship in May 2025 and the remaining half in December 2025, contingent upon the fellow meeting program expectations.

The Fellowship focuses on three core areas: professional development, inclusive community, and project support. Professional development includes workshops and training on topics such as strategic planning, budgeting and fundraising, volunteer management, diversity, equity and inclusion, and marketing. Fellows also gain opportunities to participate in national panels, design and lead workshops, and mentor future participants. Inclusive community building allows fellows to strengthen their personal narratives, enhance networking abilities, and develop lifelong connections with like-minded youth and experienced mentors. In addition to Riley’s Way staff and alumni, fellows are paired with nonprofit leaders who provide ongoing mentorship.

All fellows are expected to participate in monthly virtual networking and skill-building sessions. They are also invited to an in-person Leadership Summit where they can deepen their learning and community engagement. Throughout the year, fellows receive tailored coaching and project support, including bi-weekly conversations with staff and access to issue-based experts within Riley’s Way’s network.

Applications for the 2025 Call For Kindness are now open, with a submission deadline of March 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Applications are open to U.S. citizens and DACA recipients aged 13-23. Each project may have up to two fellows representing it in the program, although additional team members may be invited to participate in specific events like the Leadership Summit if they meet participation requirements. Interested applicants can submit their materials online and direct questions to Riley’s Way at callforkindness@rileysandler.org.

The Fellowship formally begins in May 2025 and continues through the end of the year, allowing for a full year of support, learning, and collaboration. Selected fellows will be notified before the Fellowship launch, and detailed instructions on accessing funds, reporting expectations, and program commitments will be provided upon selection.