Jackson Community Foundation (YAC Mini-Grants)

Organizational Type: K-12 students (either individually or in groups) may apply for this grant, schools, school clubs, or organizations with an adult teacher or advisor are eligible to apply. Teachers may help students write the application, but students must be the ones to submit the proposal.

Location: The grant is available to schools and organizations within Jackson County, Michigan.

Project Scope: Projects must benefit youth, encourage volunteerism, and enhance the school environment. Examples include classroom projects, extracurricular activities, student newspapers, sports, and music projects. Teacher or administration-led projects are not eligible.

The funding restrictions for the YAC Mini-Grant are as follows:

1. Eligible Expenses: Funds can be used for materials, projects, or programs that benefit students, encourage volunteerism, and enhance the school environment.
2. Ineligible Projects: Teacher or administration-led projects are not eligible for funding.
3. Grant Amount: Grants are awarded up to $300.
4. Application Limit: No teacher or classroom may submit more than one application per school year.

The application components for the YAC Mini-Grant include:

1. Grant Proposal: A written proposal completed by the student(s) outlining the project or program they plan to implement.
2. Budget: A detailed budget that shows how the funds will be used for the project or program.
3. Teacher/Advisor Signature: The application must be signed by the teacher or adult advisor overseeing the project.
4. Handwritten Application: The application must be handwritten by the student(s); if written by someone else, it will be disqualified.

The deadlines for the YAC Mini-Grant application are from October to March each school year. All proposals must be submitted by the end of this period.

The YAC Mini-Grant program does not specify detailed reporting requirements in the provided information. However, grant recipients are likely expected to:

1. Provide Updates: Share progress or results of the funded project or program with the Youth Advisory Committee or Jackson Community Foundation.
2. Follow-Up: Recipients may need to demonstrate how the grant funds were used and the impact of the project on the school or community.

For more specific reporting requirements, it’s recommended to contact the Youth Advisory Committee or the Jackson Community Foundation directly.

The evaluation criteria for the YAC Mini-Grant are not explicitly outlined in the provided information. However, based on the grant's purpose and focus, the following factors are likely considered:

1. Alignment with Grant Purpose: How well the project or program promotes youth volunteerism, benefits students, and enhances the school environment.
2. Feasibility: The practicality of the proposed project, including a clear plan and realistic budget.
3. Student Involvement: The extent to which the project is student-led, with students taking an active role in planning and execution.
4. Impact: The potential positive impact on the school or community.

For more specific evaluation criteria, it’s advisable to reach out to the Jackson Community Foundation or the Youth Advisory Committee.