It usually starts with good intentions. A line in a strategy. A value statement about equity. A conversation about “bringing youth voice into the process.” Maybe even a commitment to try something different next cycle.

But here’s the truth: engaging youth in grantmaking is not a light lift. It’s not a box to check or a panel to convene. It’s a fundamental shift in who holds power—and what you’re willing to let go of.

And while it is a lift, it is 100% worth it. That’s why Northside Funders Group just concluded its fourth grantmaking cycle for the Northside Youth Enrichment Fund with youth at the center of the decision making.

Here’s what it looks like.

A room full of young people. Proposals spread out. Scores tallied. Our favorite candies and snacks laid out at each table. The energy is focused, but not quiet. There’s laughter, side conversations, moments of intensity. We’re at the ready with our sticker dots to help us narrow down to our final funding decisions.

And then the shift.

Someone says: “Wait—this proposal says it’s only reaching five youth, but it’s for over six months. I mean, are we prioritizing depth or numbers?”

Another youth grantmaker: “But if we only fund a few, what about all the other youth who need something? I think we should focus on ones that reach more youth.”

A third voice cuts in: “Look at the budget. It seems like youth stipends should be higher than what is listed.”

This is what it actually looks like when youth are leading—not just participating, but interrogating, challenging, and shaping decisions in real time. Because when you involve youth—or community—in your grantmaking decisions in authentic and genuine ways, you have to be ready for them to:

Question your assumptions
Notice inconsistencies you’ve learned to overlook
Slow down the process—because real deliberation takes time
Fund projects you might have never selected yourself

And most of all, you have to be ready to trust them. Not perform trust. Not conditional trust. Real trust. It means you are not the final arbiter in the room. It means the outcome is not predetermined. And that changes everything.

To engage youth along the full spectrum of the funding program, NYEF implemented a youth internship. Darius Smith came into NYEF with experience as a youth grantmaker but as an intern he got to work behind the scenes—helping design sessions, facilitating conversations, and supporting other youth as they found their footing. At one point, he described his role as being a bridge. A bridge between youth and adults, participants and facilitators. Between experiencing the process and shaping it. And you could feel it in how he held space—not by taking over, but by inviting others in to lead decisions.

And those decisions don’t stay in the room. They move. They ripple. They land in real organizations, real programs, and real opportunities for young people across the Northside. After two days of deep deliberation, tough tradeoffs, and values-driven decision making, this year’s youth grantmakers directed $150,000 in funding to 10 organizations and initiatives that reflect what they believe youth need—and deserve.

We are proud to announce the 2026 Northside Youth Enrichment Fund grantees:

Appetite For Change – Cook, Garden, Learn, and Grow with AFC: A year-round paid internship serving youth through food, wellness, and leadership development.
F.T.P. Initiative – Black Sibyls Project (New): A leadership and internship program supporting young Black women in launching community-centered projects.
The T-Shirt Entity – Youth Entrepreneurship Program (New): Hands-on creative and business experience connecting youth to paid entrepreneurship opportunities.
Northside Boxing Club – Rise Youth: A holistic model blending athletics, mentorship, and community connection.
Sankofa Swim International (New): Expanding access to water safety, outdoor recreation, and belonging for Northside youth.
All City Music – All City Band (After-School): Music education paired with paid leadership and performance opportunities.
Legal Rights Center – Youth Legal Rights Camp: Legal education and empowerment for youth navigating and impacted by the justice system.
Black, Educated, Successful, Thriving (B.E.S.T.): Academic and leadership development for young Black men.
North High School – New York Times Journalism Project: Elevating youth voice through storytelling, writing, and journalism.
Good Trouble – Northside Youth Making Good Trouble (New): Youth organizing and storytelling rooted in civic engagement and social change.

These selections reflect more than strong proposals. They reflect the values youth brought into the room—their commitment to opportunity, fairness, creativity, and real investment in their peers.

And, in the end, maybe that’s the final takeaway. If you’re serious about engaging youth in your grantmaking, you have to be willing to let their values and lived experience shape the outcome.

Not just inform it. Not just influence it. Shape it. Because when you do, you don’t just fund programs. You build a future that young people have already started leading.

E. Coco, Managing Consultant, Northside Funders Group

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