Fundraising is a common way for Builders Clubs to help finance their service projects. But don’t forget another funding opportunity: grants. In your community, state or country, grants might be available for youth service, youth leadership or specific causes. Contact community foundations, family foundations and government offices that may have funds for youth service or youth leadership. And search the internet for causes. You may find funding sources for issues like the environment, hunger, literacy or justice.
Partnering with your sponsoring Kiwanis club on a project is a great way to increase your impact. Talk to Kiwanis members about the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, which offers grant opportunities to Kiwanis clubs and districts. (The Children’s Fund does not award grants to Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs such as Builders Club. The Kiwanis club must apply for the grant and would be the entity to receive approved funds.) See the Club Grant Program page for information on the application process, eligibility requirements and deadlines. Microgrants are also available for smaller Kiwanis clubs — and this year’s application deadline has been extended until September 1!
One source for grant funding for Builders Clubs across North America or internationally is Youth Service America (YSA). With its partners, YSA offers two opportunities that Builders Clubs may be eligible for: Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes grants of US$250 or US$500 are available for projects carried out for Youth Service Month (April 11-May 11, 2025) and for Global Youth Service Day (April 25-27, 2025) — both of which “provide opportunities for youth volunteers to create meaningful connections with their peers, caring adults, and community partners, while developing social awareness and relationship skills.”
YSA also offers Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation grants of US$250 or US$500 for youth-led Global Youth Service Day projects that focus on ending childhood hunger in America.
Look for these YSA grant applications to open in early 2025.