The Youth Service Fund (YSF) is a national United Methodist mission fund designed to support youth-led ministry projects. It is a unique initiative in which United Methodist teens raise funds to support other teens who are engaged in ministry efforts within their churches and communities. These projects focus on addressing issues such as poverty, illiteracy, absenteeism, and social justice. The YSF is entirely operated by, with, and for youth, meaning that young people contribute the funds, make decisions about how they are allocated, and oversee projects that are designed and led by youth.

Youth from across the Virginia Annual Conference are eligible to apply for funding. To qualify, projects must align with at least one of the following categories: Faith Sharing and Outreach, Leadership Development, Scholarship, Ministry with At-Risk Youth, or Agricultural/Vocational initiatives. These categories encompass a wide range of programs, from equipping youth with tools to express their faith, to providing leadership training, to supporting educational and vocational opportunities for young people. Programs designed to assist youth facing social and economic challenges, or those focused on community development, are particularly encouraged.

Priority consideration is given to projects that are youth-led, meaning that youth are directly involved in the creation, development, implementation, and evaluation of the project. Projects must specifically serve youth between the ages of 12-18, though international projects may serve individuals up to age 24. Funding is intended for the development of new initiatives that can become self-sustaining. Grants are not intended to cover deficits, and no project will be funded for more than three consecutive years, with decreasing support each year. Preference is given to projects within the United Methodist connectional system, but projects from other churches, interfaith collaborations, and secular organizations that align with the YSF mission will also be considered.

Grant applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the completeness of the application, the relevance of the project to youth, the feasibility of the timeline and goals, the potential for a meaningful impact, and the availability of other funding sources. Funding awards can be up to $1,500, though smaller amounts may also be granted. The total number of grants awarded annually depends on the available funds for that year.

The 2025 application timeline is as follows: the application opens on January 6, 2025, and submissions are due by March 3, 2025. Applicants will be notified of acceptance or denial by April 7, 2025. All funds must be used within one year of receipt, or they must be returned to the YSF fund. Project status reports are required at two intervals during the project timeline, and a final report must be submitted within 30 days of project completion.

Recipients of YSF grants are expected to participate in a training session focused on launching a new ministry. They will also engage in quarterly virtual meetings to provide updates, share progress, and receive coaching support. Additional inquiries regarding the Youth Service Fund and grant process can be directed to Dwayne Stinson, Director of Discipleship and Congregational Vitality at the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, via email at dwaynestinson@vaumc.org or phone at 804-521-1135.