The Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge, organized by the Northern New York Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. This initiative aims to engage middle school students in the principles of community service and philanthropy. Since its inception in October 2017, the program has successfully awarded grants to various nonprofit organizations, with a total of $10,000 distributed in its first year to 19 organizations based on the submissions of 23 winning entries from over 60 applicants. The program has since expanded to include students from St. Lawrence County, further broadening its impact.

The primary purpose of the Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge is to encourage 7th and 8th-grade students to actively participate in philanthropy by researching and selecting local charitable organizations to support. The challenge not only fosters a sense of community but also empowers students to make meaningful contributions to causes they care about. Each year, a total of ten students are selected to award a $1,000 grant to a nonprofit of their choice, promoting creativity and personal engagement in the selection process.

Funding from the Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge is specifically designated for charitable organizations that hold a current nonprofit 501(c)(3) designation and are located within Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Each eligible organization may receive only one grant per year, ensuring that the funds are distributed fairly among various nonprofits. The total amount awarded in the program is less than $1,000 per grant, with a focus on supporting local initiatives.

To be eligible to apply, students must be in the 7th or 8th grade and attend school in the specified counties. Previous winners of the challenge are not eligible to apply again. Additionally, students must be willing to meet with representatives from their chosen charitable organization to present their grant, as failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of the award. It is essential for applicants to provide a current personal contact number and a non-school email address for communication purposes.

The application process involves submitting entries that will be judged by a grant review committee. Creativity and personal definitions of "community" are important factors in the evaluation process. Incomplete or illegible submissions will not be considered, and all grant awards must be approved by the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge is October 25, 2024. Interested students and organizations are encouraged to visit the Northern New York Community Foundation's website for more information and to access the application materials. This initiative represents a valuable opportunity for young individuals to engage with their communities and support local nonprofits through their philanthropic efforts.