Youth councils, local governments, private and/or non-profit organizations with ideas for innovative programs to help North Carolina teens can now apply for grants up to $500 through the State Youth Council’s Mini Grant program. Beginning today, the North Carolina Department of Administration’s Council for Women and Youth Involvement will accept applications from organizations that build character and leadership skills among North Carolina youth through peer-to-peer community projects. The application deadline is October 10.
“This program fuels creativity and innovation in our young people while nurturing their interest in public service,” said Department of Administration Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza. “I encourage youth organizations across North Carolina to apply for these mini grants to support teens who are interested in helping their communities.”
The State Youth Council will award a total of $6,292 in grants to organizations and agencies to fund projects that encourage peer-to-peer community engagement or sharpen student project development, management, and communication skills. Individual grants will range from $100 to $500. Recently awarded projects have included mental health care packages, trail conservation, tools to communicate through art, and more. Food, entertainment, travel, and salaries do not qualify for grant funding.
Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 10 to be considered. Applications will be evaluated this fall; grants will be awarded and disbursed in 2026.
For more information on the Mini Grant program and its requirements, and to apply, visit the Mini Grants webpage.
For more information on the State Youth Council program, visit the Council for Women and Youth Involvement website.
About NCDOA and the NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement
The NC Department of Administration acts as the business manager for North Carolina state government. Under the leadership of Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza, the department oversees government operations and advocacy programs. The department’s advocacy programs help to promote and assist diverse segments of the state’s population that have been traditionally underserved. The North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement is a division of NCDOA. Their mission is to advise the governor, state legislators and state leaders on issues impacting women and youth.
