Applications open for 2026 Northside Youth Enrichment Fund
"The Northside Youth Enrichment Fund undeniably empowers local organizations that positively change the Northside community." Ismail Yusef, 2025 youth grant reviewer
An innovative program that embeds youth leadership development into the process, the Northside Youth Enrichment Fund (NYEF) supports Northside projects that expand learning by connecting young people to exceptional enrichment opportunities in and outside of the classroom.
Today, Northside Funders Group is excited to announce that applications for 2026 NYEF grants are now open — with a deadline of January 8, 2026. With an available pool of $150,000, a youth-led grantmaking committee will read, review and ultimately play a central role in awarding 10 grants in this upcoming round.
Learn more below and mark your calendar for an upcoming info session on November 19 or December 5.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DETAILS
PRIORITY CONSTITUENCY: North Minneapolis Students/Youth ages 10-20
PURPOSE: To support expanded learning opportunities by connecting Northside youth to exceptional enrichment opportunities inside and beyond the classroom.
ELIGIBILITY: Proposed projects may be directly connected to Northside schools (district, charter or private); or they can engage with youth outside of the formal schooling system (i.e., via 501c3 or for-profit organizations).
GRANT SIZE: Up-to-$15,000 - we anticipate making between 10 grants from this pool.
GRANT TYPE: Project
TOTAL AVAILBLE FUNDS: $150,000
DECISION-MAKING PROCESS AND AWARD TIMELINE: A committee including Northside youth will review and make funding decisions. This committee will meet to review grants and make decisions in late February 2026. We anticipate communicating decisions to applicants by March 2026.
KEY DEFINITIONS
Northsider: Anyone who lives, works, goes to school in North Minneapolis. Projects based in and/or serving a majority Northside constituency and individuals who contribute positively to North Minneapolis.
Enrichment Opportunities: Projects, initiatives and programs supporting access to experiences otherwise out of reach for Northside youth. Examples include school trips, mentorship, specialized equipment (i.e. cameras, uniforms, instruments) and more.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
In person: Wednesday, November 19, 4:30 to 6 PM at 927 West Broadway
Virtual: Friday, December 5, 9 to 10 AM on Zoom (click the link to join the meeting at the scheduled time)
If neither option work, please email: ecococonsulting@outlook.com to submit your questions or to schedule a phone call.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, click here.