Youth-Led Service Learning Grants
Are you a student in a Portland Public School in Maine? You’re in the right place!
Read more below to find out how to apply for a grant to make your project come to life.
How do I apply?
1. Identify and research a need in the community.
Research could come from:
Internet, newspapers, or magazines
Observing a community need
Visiting a community agency
Talking to city officials
Getting an idea from a school class
Surveys or interviews
Researching your community need is a key step. It ensures that you really understand the issue.
2. Get an Adult Ally
For every grant, PFP requires an adult to partner with students.
This can be a teacher, faculty member or community person who will offer guidance and support to students throughout the project.
3. Come Up with a Plan
After researching, it is time to come up with a plan to address the need or contribute to solving the problem.
Be sure to include:
a budget
time frame
number of people involved
number of people who will benefit
how you’ll evaluate the success of your project
4. Write the grant
We ask that students write the grant; however, it is okay for adult allies to review and give feedback.
Complete a Youth-Led Service Learning Grant Application.
Your application needs to describe in detail how you will address these 3 key areas.
Community Impact • Your project addresses a community need.
Youth Ownership • Young people play a key role in implementing the project.
Learning • Young people are learning new things as they do the project.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I apply?
Complete a Youth-Led Service Learning Grant Application.
Who’s eligible to apply?
Any Portland Public School student in 3rd-12th grade is eligible to apply. The grant is to be the idea of students and written by students. We welcome assistance and mentoring by adults but must emphasize that this is a student grant. It is for students who want to make a difference. Teachers of K-2 students may also apply.
How much money is available?
You may apply for up to $500 for a project.
There is only one grant award per project.
What is the deadline for grant proposals?
Grant requests are reviewed as they are received, and accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. We respond within 2-3 weeks after receipt of the application.
Who can I contact if I need help or have a question?
Contact the Community Coordinator in your school or contact us.
We look forward to receiving your grant proposal and hearing about how you want to make a difference!
You’ve finished applying. Now what?
How will my request be evaluated?
Grant requests are reviewed as they are received. We hope to have decisions made within 2-3 weeks after receipt of the application. Take a look at the evaluation form we use.
Grant Awards
Grant funds will be sent to the school or agency, not to individuals.
Final Report and Documentation
All grantees must fill out a final reflection/evaluation form.