New initiative will invest up to $5 million in Washington state programs that develop youth impact through leadership training, civic engagement, and/or youth organizing.

Youth are not just the future - they are paying attention now and eager to act, but not all young people have the resources, knowledge, skills, or support to participate and lead. We believe that supporting youth to act involves myriad components, from opportunities for youth to identify their purpose and passions to hands-on experiences that enable youth to apply critical thinking and use their voices to advocate for lasting change. 

The Mobilizing Young Leaders Across WA State RFP supports new and existing programs in Washington state that support youth engagement and build youth power through leadership training, civic engagement, and/or youth organizing.

“Youth are paying attention to issues that are impacting them, as well as their communities. We need to invest in more opportunities for young people to cultivate their purpose and passions and apply critical thinking as they advocate for lasting change,” said Anh Nguyen, director of arts, youth and community for the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. “In addition to resources, knowledge, and skills to devise solutions, youth also need to have a seat at the table—not just opportunities to participate and offer perspective, but also chances to be decision-makers.”

The RFP is open to eligible nonprofit organizations in Washington state. Interested parties will submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) for their youth-serving program by November 7, 2024. Selected organizations will be invited to submit a formal proposal by November 20, 2024. Grantees will be announced in Q2 2025.