The Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation Youth Initiative provides funding to programs that promote resilience, stability, and psycho-social health for youth aged 14 to 21 who have experienced trauma due to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The program seeks to address long-term impacts of trauma through age-appropriate therapeutic interventions and services that enhance relationships with significant adults, such as parents, caregivers, or mentors.

To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations operating within the United States. Programs must be new or new components of existing programs within their first year of implementation and extend beyond crisis intervention and initial safety measures. Programs should incorporate trauma-informed practices, include staff training, and demonstrate a plan for evaluating effectiveness with measurable indicators of impact.

The initiative prioritizes programs that solicit input from beneficiaries, collaborate with other organizations to enhance curriculum and outcomes, take multidisciplinary approaches, and educate significant adults to better support participating youth. Additional emphasis is placed on serving historically underserved populations, including BIPOC youth, LGBTQ youth, rural communities, and those involved with state systems or who have experienced sexual exploitation.

The average grant size is $30,000, and multi-year funding for up to three years is available, contingent on annual reviews. Programs must plan for long-term sustainability beyond the grant period. Applications from fiscal sponsors will be considered with signed agreements demonstrating fiscal and program oversight, but fiscal agents are not eligible.

Applications for the 2025 cycle require a Letter of Inquiry by June 15, 2025. Restrictions include funding for emergency shelters, ongoing programs, general operating support, capital projects, start-up costs for new organizations, scholarships, lobbying, conferences, or endowments. This grant is an excellent opportunity for organizations focused on addressing trauma and fostering positive development among vulnerable youth.