Youth-Led Funding.
Youth-Led Funding is designed by the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund Youth Advisory Council (YAC), made up of St. Louis County high school students. The priorities of each Youth-Led Funding opportunity are determined by council members and based on identified needs of St. Louis County children and families. With support from CSF staff and the Community Health Commission of Missouri, council members see the grant process through from start to finish, including developing the funding opportunity, reviewing proposals, and making funding recommendations to the CSF Board of Directors for final approval. The details of each Youth-Led Funding opportunity will change based on the priorities and concerns of the current Youth Advisory Council and the needs of St. Louis County youth. Identified values of the current Council are diversity, equity, community, integrity, and future generations.
The application for the inaugural Youth-Led Funding opportunity is now open! Apply by 4 p.m. on October 23, 2026.
2027-2028 Youth-Led Funding Opportunity.
CSF’s inaugural Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has identified the following priority areas for this funding opportunity: Programs that support youth mental health by offering art/recreation/enrichment opportunities for youth in St. Louis County between ages 5-18.
This is a one-year funding opportunity beginning March 1, 2027. CSF’s Board of Directors has approved a pool of up to $150,000 for this funding opportunity. Organizations may apply for a maximum of $25,000.
Key Dates
- September 14, 2026: Application opens.
- October 2, 2026 at 4 p.m. CDT: Final questions due from applicants.
- October 9, 2026: CSF will post answers to questions. See below under Documents and Resources for Applying.
- October 23, 2026 at 4 p.m. CDT: Application closes.
- February 1, 2027: Awards announced.
Documents and Resources for Applying
The following documents are intended to assist applicants of the 2027-2028 Youth-Led Funding Opportunity. See below for more on eligibility requirements.
- Notice of Funding Opportunity for full details and requirements
- Instructions for earning a Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid (required for 501(c)3s only)
- Budget spreadsheet (must be completed and uploaded with your application)
- Word document version of the application for drafting reponses. SurveyMonkey will not save progress; the application must be completed in one sitting. The application must be completed in SurveyMonkey.
- NEW! Questions and Answers. See all questions to submitted to us about the Youth-Led Funding Opportunity and our answers.
Questions
All questions and communications about Youth-Led Funding must be sent to CS********@*************mo.gov by 4 p.m. CDT on October 2, 2026. Responses to all questions are now posted above under “Documents and Resources for Applying.” For technical support with the application, please email CS********@*************mo.gov.
Hear from Youth Advisory Council members Yusuf and Katelyn about why this funding matters, who it’s for, and what they hope comes of it on our blog.
Who is Eligible to Receive Youth-Led Funding?
Organizations that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for CSF funding.
- Registered 501(c)3s and government agencies
- 501(c)3s must earn a 2026 Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid
- Programming serving children, youth and families in St. Louis County
Criteria for 2027-2028 Youth-Led Funding Opportunity
The 2027-2028 Youth-Led Funding Opportunity will invest in programs that support youth mental health by offering art/recreation/enrichment opportunities for youth in St. Louis County ages 5-18. Programming must be free to participants, and applicants must meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Expose youth to new experiences, including noncompetitive sports activities
- Are easily accessible for underserved communities
- Help youth build skills that will be useful in their future
- Provide education to increase awareness of mental health
Preference will be given to programs let by youth.
Organizations currently funded by CSF are eligible to apply but may not apply for funding for programs and/or services that CSF is already funding. Organizations previously funded by CSF are also eligible to apply.
Why Youth-Led Funding?
CSF’s Youth Advisory Council and Youth-Led Funding opportunity were created in recognition of that fact that youth — those supported by CSF funding — should have a say in how our funding is distributed. The Youth Advisory Council brings their perspective, talent, and lived experience to support and inform our work in meaningful ways, including in the design, development and execution of Youth-Led Funding opportunities.
Youth-Led Funding is driven by our Youth Advisory Council. Learn more about this talented group of local high school students.