HARTFORD, CT - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Commission on Community Service, also known as Serve Connecticut, is now accepting applications for mini-grants to support youth-led service initiatives in Connecticut.

These mini-grants are available to support the engagement of youths between the ages of 5 and 25 in meaningful, youth-led service or service-learning projects or programs benefitting the community during the grant term of January 1 to September 30, 2025. Eligible applicants include schools, out-of-school time programs (after school or summer), municipalities, agencies, and youth-serving organizations. Youth-led groups are welcome to apply with sponsorship of an eligible applicant.

“This is a great opportunity for youth voice and youth action to make a difference in our state through service,” Governor Lamont said. “Getting more of our youth to the table to take an active part in community problem-solving builds better communities.”

This funding opportunity is made available by a grant from the Allstate Foundation in partnership with America’s Service Commissions. Serve Connecticut is one of ten state and territorial service commissions that received a 2024 Empowering Youth-Led Service Grant to increase youth-led service opportunities in the state.

“Serve Connecticut is committed to encouraging youth to lead through service – to impact their communities and to empower their own growth,” Timothy D. Larson, commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Higher Education and a board member of the Service Connecticut, said. “We are grateful to the Allstate Foundation for providing this resource to our state’s youth.”

To qualify for a mini-grant, proposed youth-led service initiatives may be new or existing, must prioritize engaging youth that are underrepresented in youth service in Connecticut, and must actively engage youth in the development and implementation of the proposed service project or initiative. Mini-grant funding requests of up to $8,000 will be considered. Funding may be used to support youth-led service project development and implementation costs, and to remove barriers to youth participation in youth-led service projects and programs.

To apply, visit servect.org/youth-service-funding-opportunities. Applications must be submitted by December 2, 2024. Questions about the application process can be directed to Kate Scheuritzel, Serve Connecticut’s director of programs, via email at [email protected].

Serve Connecticut is a program of the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. It administers AmeriCorps grants on behalf of the state and promotes service and volunteerism.