Funding for Youth Development

Positive Experiences + Positive Relationships + Positive Environments = Positive Youth Development

Based on the literature, the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a collaboration of 19 federal departments and agencies that support youth, has created the following definition of positive youth development (PYD):

PYD is an intentional, prosocial approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances young people's strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs developed a research agenda focused on positive youth development. Through a collaborative consensus-building process, representatives from federal agencies identified three research domains (conceptual issues, data sources and indicators, and program implementation and effectiveness) and key research questions that could benefit from future research.

PYD has its origins in the field of prevention. In the past, prevention efforts typically focused on single problems before they surfaced in youth, such as teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and juvenile delinquency.

Over time, practitioners, policymakers, funders, and researchers determined that promoting positive asset building and considering young people as resources were critical strategies. As a result, the youth development field began examining the role of resiliency - the protective factors in a young person's environment - and how these factors could influence one's ability to overcome adversity. Those factors included, but were not limited to, family support and monitoring; caring adults; positive peer groups; strong sense of self, self-esteem, and future aspirations; and engagement in school and community activities.

Researchers and practitioners began to report that young people who possess a diverse set of protective factors can, in fact, experience more positive outcomes. These findings encouraged the development of interventions and programs that reduce risks and strengthen protective factors. The programs and interventions are strengthened when they involve and engage youth as equal partners, ultimately providing benefits for both for the program and the involved youth.

Source: youth.gov

Foundation and philanthropic support for youth development from around the Web.



Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Invites Grant Applications
Foundation: Arkansas Community Foundation

Proposals will be accepted online now through Tuesday, April 1.These awards have included support for mental health support groups, financial literacy workshops, and other initiatives that empower...more

Yellowknife Community Foundation Launches New Memorial Scholarship

The Ian Legaree Youth Leadership Fund will serve as a scholarship fund designed to recognize and pass on Ian's many contributions to youth development and sports in the NWT.Ian was a long-time coach...more

Fayette County Community Foundation Awards $176000 to Nonprofits
Foundation: Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, Fayette County Community Foundation

Fayette County Community Foundation recently awarded over $176,000 to 23 Fayette County organizations and nonprofits for the betterment of their communities.Grants are awarded through...more

A Look Back At How the Lewis Prize For Music Empowered Young People

A Look Back at How the Lewis Prize for Music Empowered Young People.The five-year, $20 million initiative committed to driving equitable systems change.The prize granted $2 million to 32 creative...more

How the Lewis Prize For Music Empowered Young People

A Look Back at How the Lewis Prize for Music Empowered Young People.The five-year, $20 million initiative committed to driving equitable systems change.The prize granted $2 million to 32 creative...more

Salem, Peabody Schools Awarded Mass Cultural Council Grants

Salem, Peabody Schools Awarded Mass Cultural Council Grants.The program awards one-year grants of $5,000 each to fund school-based creative projects for K-12.The Creative Youth Development program...more

Uf Youth Development Program Aims For the Stars

UF's 4-H Youth Development Program is getting kids statewide in space-based careers.The event, planned for June, will train 60 teens as "space ambassadors" to teach another 1,200 youth about space...more

Innovative Ideas From Plymouth County Youth Earn $2500 Grant For Community Improvement

Innovative ideas from Plymouth County youth earn $2,500 grant for community improvement.The project is designed to provide youth with opportunities to learn about community development and how their...more

The Sap Community Foundation At 25

The foundation supports local nonprofits, schools and community groups in the areas of community development, environment, education, aging in place, business development, arts and culture and youth...more

Community Encouraged to Grant 'Wishes'

The Community Foundation for Mason County is putting opportunities for the community to make a difference.88 wishes have been submitted, totaling over $179,000 in funding requests.The wishes span...more



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