Youth Sparks Grant Project

Q&A

Can I submit my application in a language other than English?

Unfortunately, no. We cannot accept applications in any language other than English, but free translation services are available. Please reach out to us by October 31, 2025, if you need translation services.

Do I need to be a registered nonprofit to apply?
No. You do not need to be a 501(c)(3). Grassroots groups, informal collaborations, and organizations with a fiscal sponsor are all welcome to apply.

Can I apply if I’m based outside of Skyway?
Yes. As long as your project directly serves youth in the Skyway community and your team has strong, demonstrated ties to the area.

I’m an individual who’s not affiliated with an organization. Can I apply for this grant?
No. This grant is specifically intended for Skyway-serving grassroots youth organizations.

Can we apply as a partnership or collective?
Yes. Groups working together (example, a youth-led org collaborating with an adult org, etc.) can submit one joint application. Just make sure one organization takes the lead and, if needed, has a fiscal sponsor.

We’re steward/partner organizations of Skyway Coalition, or we work closely with Skyway Coalition. Can we apply?
Yes! This grant is open to Skyway steward/partner orgs and other community-based organizations that serve Skyway youth. We have taken due diligence to ensure that the writing and development of this grant does not create conflicts of interest.

Can we submit more than one application?
No. We kindly request that each organization or group submit only one application to ensure the awards are distributed across the community.

Will late applications be accepted?
Unfortunately, no. The deadline is November 7, 2025, and late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. Please give yourself plenty of time to submit the application before the deadline.

Can youth lead the project?
Absolutely! We strongly encourage youth-led or youth-co-designed projects. Just make sure there's an adult or fiscal sponsor to handle fund disbursement and reporting, if needed.

What kinds of expenses are eligible?
You can use the Youth Sparks Grant Project for expenses such as supplies, stipends, materials, food, event costs, rentals, and other program-related costs. Funds cannot be used for general organizational operating costs, political campaigning, or lobbying.

Do I need to provide a budget sheet for the application?
To reduce barriers to application, we are not accepting project budget sheets at this stage in the application process. If selected as a finalist, we will provide a budget template and collect budget sheet information at that time.

I recently completed a project that would be a perfect fit for this grant. Can I apply retroactively?
Yes! We’ll consider applicable projects that have taken place or will take place between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026.

How will applications be reviewed?
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of Skyway representatives. Members of the review panel are not eligible to apply for the Youth Sparks Grant Project.

Can I save my application and return to it later?

There is no option to save this application form and come back later to where you left off. If you need more time, consider copying the application questions into a separate document and working on them outside of the form. When you are ready to submit, copy and paste your answers into the application form.

Who’s hosting this grant?

Skyway Coalition is hosting the grant. Skyway Coalition is a community-centered nonprofit organization committed to uplifting the Skyway community through the core programs of advocacy, economic growth, and affordable housing.