Call For Kindness Grants To Fund 40 Youth-Led Projects: How To Apply

NEW YORK, NY — The New York City-based Riley’s Way Foundation, which encourages teen and young adult leadership rooted in kindness, will provide up to $5,000 in grant funding each for up to 40 projects that strengthen local, national and global communities

This is the sixth year for the Call For Kindness competitive grant program, which is open to teens and young adults ages 13-23. Applications are due by March 25.

“Young people are leading in their schools and communities in inspiring ways,” Dr. Christine O’Connell, Riley’s Way Foundation executive director, said in a news release. “Their bold thinking and acts of kindness are the ingredients we need to make the world better.”

Proposed projects may be brand new, or build on existing programs that respond to the top social issues and needs in the applicants’ respective communities.

The Riley’s Way Foundation said 10 of the funded projects will be focused on the 2024 special topic — education equity.

“Education equity is not only about breaking down systemic barriers and accommodating various circumstances, it’s also about creating an environment where learning is seen as a fundamental right rather than a privilege,” Everest Maya-Tudor, an alumnus of the program, said in the news release.

Also, a new category, Interfaith Connections, was introduced this year. Additionally, the foundation will make one grant award in a special dance and performing arts category, the Yuriko Kikuchi Arigato Award (“Arigato” means “thank you” in Japanese), in honor of the pioneering dancer and choreographer known as the “keeper of Martha Graham’s flame.” She was the grandmother of Riley’s Way director of operations Laura Kikuchi Dunn.

Among projects funded in the past are those that have addressed mental health and well-being, promoted racial justice, bridged the tech industry's demographic gap, supported those experiencing homelessness and combatted food insecurity.

“Young people leading with kindness are creating a dynamic and positive force for good that our world desperately needs,” Riley’s Way co-founder and board chair Ian Sandler said in the news release. “ They are paving the way for a more vibrant leadership landscape that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and a commitment to a kinder world.”

The Call for Kindness is Riley’s Way’s national flagship program that gives young changemakers the skills, connections, and funding they need to run successful social impact projects.

Besides the $5,000 start-up grant, the award comes with a 12-month leadership development fellowship offering skill-building, expert coaching, peer mentoring, in-person leadership retreat and peer community support.

The Call For Kindness comprises a start-up grant of up to $5,000 and a 12-month Leadership Development Fellowship with skill-building, expert coaching, peer mentoring, in-person Leadership Retreats, and a peer-community of other young changemakers.