Youth Grant Making Council

About the Council

The Grantmaking Council was formed to create a space where young people have a chance to lead and shape funding decisions to address their communities’ priorities. Who better to decide where money should go and what projects for young people should be funded than young people?! Being a part of the grantmaking council will give you a chance to have your voice and opinions heard.​

Our Goal as a Council is to provide grants to youth-led projects and initiatives across the state.

2026 Youth Health Equity & Accessibility Grant

This grant supports youth-led and youth-serving projects in Maine that promote health equity and accessibility—making sure all young people have a fair chance to be healthy and can actually access the spaces, services, and supports meant for them, no matter their background, community, ability, or income.

These grants are awarded by the Youth Grantmaking Council, a group of young people from across Maine who are passionate about supporting youth-led solutions for health equity and accessibility. They will review applications, select projects, and make sure funding goes directly to initiatives that create real and meaningful change for Maine youth and their communities.

Application Guidelines

Who Can Apply?

  • Youth-led groups, organizations, or individuals*

  • Projects that serve youth and focus on health equity

  • Projects based in Maine

* Youth-completed applications will be given preference, whether submitted alone or with help from an adult advisor.

Eligibility: For Youth, By Youth!

  • Must be youth-led and/or be youth-serving

  • Must be located in Maine

  • Must be able to provide a Tax ID number (for an individual or organization) to receive funding

Impact on Youth & Health Equity:

  • Does the project address a clear health and/or access barrier for youth?

  • Will the project help youth who have fewer opportunities?

Need:

  • Does the project respond to a need in the target community?

  • Does the project fill a gap in current resources for youth?

Innovation:

  • Does the project bring a fresh approach to solving health equity and/or accessibility issues?

  • Health equity means making sure everyone has a fair chance to be healthy—not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and socially.​ That includes access to things like safe spaces, supportive relationships, mental health care, and being treated with respect—no matter someone’s background, identity, or where they live.

  • Intentionally designing programs, spaces, and opportunities so people can participate fully without having to ask for special accommodations. ​It goes beyond whether a program is technically “open” and focuses on whether people can actually take part.

  • Barriers are things that make participation harder, such as:​

    • Cost and supplies​

    • Transportation and location​

    • Time and schedules​

    • Disability access

    • Language and communication​

    • Technology and internet​

    • Feeling unsafe, unwelcome, or unheard

Apply Here

Deadline to Apply: April 15, 2026

Questions? Contact: MYAN@opportunityalliance.org

Funding Decisions: Announced by May 1st, 2026

NOTE- For tentative planning purposes: All applicants who are awarded funding will also be invited to join the Grantmaking Council for a celebration on Wednesday, May 20th at the Maine State House.