“By putting young people at the center of the decision-making process, this initiative ensures that funding goes where it can create meaningful change.” – Katelyn, Youth Advisory Council member
Today, the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) Youth Advisory Council opened its first-ever Youth-Led Funding Opportunity for applications. This initiative recognizes the best way to meet the needs of the community we support — youth in St. Louis County — is to invite them to the table to be part of strategy and decision-making.
In 2025, we established our first Youth Advisory Council in partnership with the Community Health Commission of Missouri, and our board of directors approved $150,000 for them to allocate how they see fit. Together, this group of St. Louis County high school students designed, developed, and wrote this inaugural youth-led funding opportunity. Using our 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment and their own personal experiences, they identified existing need among youth in St. Louis County and built this funding opportunity around it. Read on to hear from council members Yusuf and Katelyn on why this funding matters, who it’s for, and what they hope comes of it.
Youth Advisory Council member Yusuf (center) talks with other council members at a grant-planning meeting.
Youth Advisory Council member Katelyn speaks to attendees at CSF’s partner celebration in July 2026.
What is the Youth Advisory Council?
Yusuf: The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a youth-led grantmaking council based in St. Louis County aiming to serve our peers and improve teen mental health. Our role at CSF is to help decide how their funding is distributed based on what we have experienced as youth and what support we believe our peers need. The YAC is made up of 13 members, aged 14 to 19, across the Jennings, University City, and Parkway school districts.
I joined because I have personally faced mental health struggles throughout my life and want to help others who face similar struggles in any way that I can. I have learned a lot already with the YAC, not only the grantmaking process and financial aspects of the program but also how to communicate with my peers better and come to decisions collaboratively. This collaborative decision-making consists of taking votes, evaluating organizations, etc. Our council values diversity, integrity, and the future generations to come, driving us to work as hard as we can in this program and help as many people as possible.
Tell us about this funding opportunity you created.
Yusuf: We created this funding opportunity because we want to make an impact on St. Louis. The various programs we fund through this opportunity will allow us to make the impact we want to see on teen mental health. We structured the opportunity not only to be able to fund as many programs as possible but also fund each of them in a considerable way.
Our funding will address many challenges in the community such as increasing awareness of mental health, helping underserved communities, and more. We want to support programs that not only address these issues but also expose youth to new experiences and help them build skills for their future.
How do you hope this funding impacts St. Louis County youth?
Yusuf: We hope this funding will give youth access to mental health support, new experiences, and skills they can carry into the future. By supporting programs that address the needs of underserved communities, we hope to create a more aware, supportive, and connected St. Louis County. Additionally, we hope this process shows CSF the value of including youth insight in funding decisions and encourages them to keep doing so in the future.
Give us the details. Who can apply and how much funding is available?
Yusuf: In this funding opportunity, we will fund programs that support youth mental health by offering art/recreation/enrichment opportunities for youth in St. Louis County ages 5-18. The total amount available is $150,000. Organizations may apply for grants up to $25,000, and we will award up to 10 organizations with this funding. Both registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities can apply for this funding.
Katelyn: Organizations that are interested in receiving funding can apply through SurveyMonkey. The application will ask you to describe your programs, explain how the funding will benefit local youth, and outline how the money will be used.
See all the details of this funding opportunity and who is eligible on the Youth-Led Funding page of CSF’s website.
How will you make funding decisions?
Katelyn: The YAC will review all submitted applications using a fair and transparent scoring process. Council members will create criteria for review focused on community impact, youth engagement, program goals, and financial need.
What do you want to say to prospective applicants?
Katelyn: If your organization is passionate about supporting youth in St. Louis County, we encourage you to apply. This funding opportunity is designed to help local organizations expand programs, create new opportunities, and make a lasting impact on youth in our community. Share this opportunity with other organizations, community leaders, and youth-serving groups who may benefit. Together, we can invest in the future of St. Louis County’s youth.
Any final thoughts on creating CSF’s first Youth-Led Funding Opportunity?
Katelyn: The YAC is excited to play a direct role in shaping opportunities for youth. By putting young people at the center of the decision-making process, this initiative ensures that funding goes where it can create meaningful change. We look forward to reviewing innovative ideas and helping organizations make an even greater impact in our community.
Responses to these questions are in Katelyn and Yusuf’s words with minor editing by CSF staff for clarity and grammar.
