What is YEF?

The Youth Empowerment Fund is a part of the Urban Services YMCA and is proudly funded by the San Francisco Children and Youth Fund. We give out mini-grants to youth-led projects that support youth in SF. We also run youth programs to support the leadership development and community advocacy of SF youth.

Who do we contact if we have questions?

If you have any questions about how to apply for our mini-grants please contact YEF’s Community Engagement Specialist, Wahid Ahmed, at 415-561-0631 ext. 1119 or wahmed@ymcasf.org. For general questions about YEF, please contact YEF Director Breanne Harris at 415-561-0631 ext. 1119 or bharris@ ymcasf.org.

If I’m 18 or older can I apply for a mini-grant?

The two primary youth leaders on the project must be under 18. However, other youth on the project team can be 18 or older. When does YEF accept applications for mini-grants? We accept applications for mini-grants three times a year. Applications are released on our website one month before the final due date. For cycle deadlines see the table on Page 2. (www.yefsf.org)

When do I find out if my project has been funded?

YEF Community Funders takes about a month to review all applications, hold interviews, and make final funding decisions. Your project will usually be contacted within 2 weeks for an interview. 2 weeks after the interview you will be informed of the status of your application. Note: this is a rough estimate; depending on the amount of applications received the process may be longer.

Where else can I get funding for my youth-led project?

B.L.I.N.G. out of the Youth Leadership Institute and Youth Funding Youth Ideas (YFYI) out of CHALK are two other groups that give grants to youth-led projects. Youth Funding Youth Ideas: www.yfyi.org | B.L.I.N.G. http://yli.org/youth-space/

How do I turn in my application?

Submit applications electronically to wahmed@ymcasf.org. Or, we accept paper applications in person on FRIDAYS at 1426 Fillmore Street, Suite 204. DO NOT DROP OFF OR SEND APPLICATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES.