Mini Grants

State Youth Council Mini Grant Program

Youth councils, local governments and private or non-profit agencies with ideas for innovative programs to help North Carolina teens can apply for grants up to $500 through the State Youth Council’s Mini Grant program. 

Each fall, funds are awarded to organizations and agencies with projects that encourage peer-to-peer community engagement, or sharpen student project development, management, and communication skills.

State Youth Councils and the Youth Advisory Council will evaluate applications this fall; grants will be awarded in Spring 2026.

Program Details

Supporting Youth Across North Carolina

“This program fuels creativity and innovation in our young people while nurturing their interest in public service. I encourage youth organizations across North Carolina to apply for these mini grants to support teens who are interested in helping their communities.” — DOA Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza

The grant program is open to North Carolina youth councils as well as local governments, private and non-profit agencies interested in developing or enhancing projects geared towards grade school youth. 

In recent years projects have included mental health care packages for youth, meal delivery to underserved communities, trail conservation, and tools to communicate through art. Food, entertainment, travel, and salaries do not qualify for grant funding.

Non-profit organizations must submit a letter of reference with the application. This letter may come from a local government official or the sponsoring agency director and must be signed by that person.

Funds must be used to directly fund the project and cannot be used for the following expenses: clothing, salaries, scholarships, transportation, entertainment, awards, gifts, incentives, tickets, or food.