Youth Opportunities Fund
YOF grants can help you take action. Look around and identify service that needs to be done in your school, community, or the world. Then, apply for a grant.
YOF Overview
Do you have an idea for a large-scale service project but don’t have the funds to execute it? Check out the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF)! YOF grants are up to $2000 and are available to all dues-paid Key Clubs to fund service projects that fill a need within your community.
- Grants are between $250 and $2,000.
- Grants are ONLY for Key Clubs and not divisions or districts.
- There are two application cycles.
- Applications for the first cycle are due by October 15 at 8:59 PM PST.
- Applications for the second cycle are due by March 1 at 8:59 PM PST.
- A club can only receive one grant per Key Club year.
- A Key Club International Board committee reviews all applications.
- Grant applicants will receive an email about outcomes.
- A list of grant recipients is posted online four weeks after each application deadline.
- A club must pay its previous year’s dues before receiving its YOF grant check.
- A YOF Final Grant Report is due at the end of the grant cycle to qualify a club for future funding.
Project Requirements
Have Key Club member engagement.
Key Clubbers must be involved!
Fill a need within your community.
Complete a community needs assessment to determine the need.
Support activities within at least one Kiwanis Children's Fund cause area.
Health, education, or youth leadership.
Spend the grant money within 12 months of when the grant is awarded.
The grant is for an immediate need.
Important Dates
| YOF Cycle | Application Due | Decision Date | Final Report Due |
|---|---|---|---|
|
First Cycle |
October 15 |
November 15 |
December 31 (a year later) |
|
Second Cycle |
March 1 |
April 1 |
April 30 (a year later) |
Note: Grant recipients must submit a final report to qualify for future funding.
Community Needs Assessment and Budget
Before you apply, work with your club to conduct a community needs assessment. Use the assessment results to plan your project and create a balanced budget. The committee typically funds projects that work with other organizations to fund and complete the project.
Application Process
- To begin an application, you must create a club account on Foundant, Key Club International’s online grant-management system.
- Past recipients must use the club’s existing Foundant account. Do not create a new account.
- Once you log in, click “Apply” and choose your preferred application language from the available selection.
- You will need to know the name of your Key Club, the club ID number, and the Key Club district to begin the application. This information is in the Membership Update Center at keyclub.org/muc.
- Use the sample application and evaluation rubric as a guide to filling out your application.
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