Recognizing Youth As Resources for the Twenty-First Century
http://www.ryar.org
The vision of Recognizing Youth As Resources for the Twenty-First Century is that every youth will receive opportunities to productively participate in community life. Its mission is to provide a funding base across the nation to build positive bridges between youth and their environments.
Rock the Vote
http://www.rockthevote.org
Rock the Vote is dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and empowering young people to change their world. Rock the vote is the leading nonpartisan youth empowerment organization, providing access to the political process and inspiring young people to take action. Voter registration, education on political and social issues and opportunities for effective and meaningful civic participation are the ways which Rock the Vote engages young people.
The Ruckus Society
http://www.ruckus.org
The Ruckus Society provides young environmental, social justice and human rights organizers with the tools, training, and support needed to achieve their goals. Working with a broad range of communities, organizations, and movements- from high school students to nonprofit organizations-Ruckus facilitates the sharing of information and expertise that strengthens the capacity to change our relationship with the environment and each other.
SHiNE: Seeking Harmony In Neighborhoods Everyday
http://www.shine.com
SHiNE (Seeking Harmony in Neighborhoods Everyday) works to improve teen's lives by providing an array of programs and opportunities that build self-esteem, foster nonviolence and respect for diversity, and promote youth leadership. SHiNE specializes in inspiring teens to become actively involved with issues that they care about and offering relevant opportunities to do so.
Taking It Global
http://www.takingitglobal.org
Taking It Global (TIG) is about encouraging young people to believe in themselves and their ability to make a difference in their world. It is a global, nonprofit initiative which creates environments, both virtual and physical, where young people are exposed to new thinking, a diversity of voices, and new opportunities.
Third Wave Foundation
http://www.thirdwavefoundation.org
The Third Wave Foundation strives to combat inequalities faced by young activist as a results of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, economic status or level of education. In efforts to empower young women to lead movements for equality, Third Wave is providing resources and is building a lasting foundation for social activism around the country.
What Kids Can Do, Inc.
http://www.whatkidscando.org
What Kids Can Do is a national nonprofit which was founded by an education and journalist who felt an urgent need to promote perceptions of young people as valued resources, not problems, and to direct more public attention to challenging learning that inspires their best work. What Kids Can Do also responds to a need to bring youth voices to adult debates about public education.
YMCA of the USA-Teen Programs
http://www.ymca.net
The YMCA is an international movement now present in most communities around the country, as well as the world. The YMCA builds communities of people of all ages, faiths, races, abilities and incomes.
Youth Action Net
http://www.youthactionnet.org
Youth Action Net facilitates the mobilization and impact of young people by seeking to connect, inspire and nurture present and future young leaders. The aim of Youth Action Net is to provide a virtual space where young people can share lessons, stories, information and advice on how to lead effective change.
Youth In Action Campaign
http://www.youthlink.org
The Youth In Action Campaign is a national initiative which was created by the Foundation of American to improve citizenship, service, democratic participation, and civic responsibility in future generations. The Youth In Action Campaign serves as an umbrella to provide programs, recognition, and incentives for youth initiated activities that are improving both local and national communities.
Youth on Board
http://www.youthonboard.org
Youth on Board helps young people and adults think differently about each other so that they can work together to change their communities. Youth on Board doesn't just build skills; it works to build mutually respectful relationships between young people and adults that allow youth to move from the margins of their communities to the center.
Youth Venture
http://www.youthventure.org
Youth Venture empowers young people to create and launch their own social enterprises, and to take greater responsibility for their lives and for creating change in their communities. The projects sponsored by Youth Venture are as diverse as the needs, ranging from after-school tutoring services to teen-led virtual radio stations, video festivals, and youth diabetes support groups.
YouthNOISE
http://www.youthNOISE.com
YouthNOISE, an initiative of Save the Children, is a Web-based resource designed to engage teens in social issues on their terms, in their words, and utilizing their preferred media. Our mission is to inspire teens to learn about issues affecting their generation, to connect them with a community of other young people, and to empower them to take action and create positive change in the lives of young people everywhere.
Action Without Borders/ Idealist Kids & Teens
http://www.idealist.org/kt
The goal of Idealist Kids and Teens, Actions Without Borders' youth site, is to introduce young people to the nonprofit sector and provide them with the resources they need to start working on issues of importance to them. Idealist Kids and Teens helps to encourage schools and their students to identify and address the issues that concern them and then provides outlets for action.
Youth Activism 2000 Project
http://www.youthactivism.com
Based in the Washington, DC metro area and reaching a national scope, The Activism 2000 Project contacts and responds to the news media to promote greater coverage of young activists. It also emphasized the importance of traditional as well as unconventional publicity and media advocacy strategies in order to mobilize public support and gain the attention of politicians and other decision-makers.
Teach For America
http://www.teachforamerica.org
A two-year volunteer program as a full-time paid teacher in urban and under-resourced public schools for recent college graduates of all academic majors.
The National Youth Development Information Clearinghouse
http://www.nydic.org
The National Youth Development Information Clearinghouse, one of the largest repositories of information on youth work, is on the move---it is in the process of being updated and expanded. NYDIC is managed by the National Assembly/National Collaboration for Youth and is widely used by youth workers.
Active Element Foundation
http://www.activelement.org
The Active Element Foundation is a non-profit organization that builds relationships between grassroots youth organizers, donors, professionals and artists through grant making, technical assistance and youth culture. It believes firmly that the active involvement of young people is critical to altering present power relationships, and exists to help build the infrastructure that will sustain such involvement. AEF's support builds the institutional capacity that will enhance the effectiveness of politically active young people.
Center for Youth as Resources
http://www.cyar.org
The Center for Youth as Resources (CYAR) is based in Washington, DC and has a training office in Indianapolis, IN. It serves as an umbrella organization linking together the Youth As Resources Network. CYAR's Mission is to connect youth to their communities in positive ways and to improve community life nationally and internationally through youth-led initiates.
Do Something
http://www.dosomething.org
Do Something is a nationwide network of young people who know they can make a difference in their communities and take action to change the world around them. As part of Do Something, young people are asked what they want to do to make things better in their communities and are then given the resources and support to bring their unique vision to life.
The Freechild Project
http://www.freechild.org
The Freechild Project offers several programs and projects that honor student's voices, ideas and action and that support youth in activist work. By empowering young people to lead projects devoted to significant social change, The Freechild Project serves as a catalyst for lifelong civic engagement, beginning when young people are developing their personal awareness of their broader community.
Funders' Collaborative on Youth Organizing
http://www.fcyo.org
The Funders' Collaborative on Youth Organizing is a collective of national, regional and local foundations and youth organizing practitioners dedicated to advancing youth leadership in organizing as a strategy for promoting youth development and effective social change.
Global Action Project, Inc.
http://www.global-action.org
Global Action Project, Inc. (G.A.P.) is a media arts organization that provides training in video production and new media technologies for youth both locally and internationally. G.A.P. promotes the inclusion of diverse youth voices on critical issues through public forums in which young people use media as a springboard for dialogue and action.
The Innovation Center for Community & Youth Development
http://www.theinnovationcenter.org
The mission of the InnovationCenter for Community and Youth Development is to unleash the potential of individuals, organizations and communities and to engage them together in creating a just and equitable society. The InnovationCenter recognized that communities-and their young people-already have knowledge, skills, and practices that are effective and valuable.
International Youth Hall of Fame
http://www.youthhall.org
The International Youth Hall of Fame helps communities come together to recognize, celebrate, encourage, document and publicize the positive efforts of youth who are making a difference at home, in school, and in the community.
Leaders Today
http://www.leaderstoday.com
Leaders Today is dedicated to helping young people realize their fullest potential through leadership education and development using innovative, youth inspired curriculum. Leaders Today was founded by two brothers and young activists who shared a common vision of empowering other youth to become socially involved in their communities and the world.
Local Initiative Support Training and Education Network (LISTEN) Inc.
http://www.lisn.org
The mission of LISTEN is to develop youth leadership and strengthen the social capital of urban youth ages 14-29 for civic engagement and community problem solving. While many organizations that work with urban youth seek to simply serve young people, LISTEN instead works to organize and empower young people in pursuit of social change.
Mock Election.Com, Inc.
http://www.mockelection.com
Mock Election provides student and educators with opportunities and the technology to create actual online elections in which they can vote on issues, simulate political elections, develop school-wide elections and learn about polling, voting, democracy and the election process through personalized, interactive experiences.
National 4-H Council
http://www.n4h.org
Since its inception in the early 1900's, the goal of 4-H has been to help youth develop as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens in their communities. In 2001, over half a million 4'H youth were involved in Citizenship and Civic Education Programs. May of 4-H's citizenry programs have been recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture as Programs of Excellence.
National Youth Leadership Council
http://www.nylc.org
The National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) has been a pioneer in youth leadership initiatives since it began in 1983. NYLC was the first organization to champion a meaningful new vision of learning that addresses a dual purpose: education America's K-12 and young adult students through thoughtful and practical service, while at the same time benefiting the communities in which those young people live.
Peace Child International
http://www.peacechild.org
A UK-registered nonprofit established in April 1982, Peach Child International empowers youth to take responsibility for peace, human rights and the environment through education, leadership development and direct participation in the events that shape our world community. It does thigh through producing publications, musicals, conferences and encouraging its affiliate youth groups throughout the world.
America's Promise
http://www.americaspromise.org
America 's Promise, founded by Retired General Colin L. Powell, desires to mobilize people from every sector of American life to build the character and competence of our nation's youth by fulfilling Five Promises: 1. Ongoing relationships with caring adults - parents, mentors, tutors, or coaches 2. Safe places with structured activities during nonschool hours 3. Healthy start and future 4. Marketable skills through effective education 5. Opportunities to give back through community service
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org
Applicants must have at least one year of prior national or community volunteer service and be able to mobilize disaster assignments.
AmeriCorps
http://www.cns.gov/americorps.index.html
As part of the Corporation for National Service, AmeriCorps provides education tuition assistance in return for one year of community volunteer service.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
http://www.bbbsa.org/
BBBSA provides one-on-one mentoring relationships between adults and at-risk children. Established in 1904, BBBSA currently serves over 100,000 children with more than 500 agencies throughout the United States.
Boys and Girls Club of America
http://www.bgca.org
The mission of this organization is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential through numerous educational programs and activities.
Catholic Network of Volunteer Service
http://www.cnvs.org
Short-term and long-term programs available in the U.S. and abroad.
Campus Compact
http://www.compact.org
Engages colleges and students in both on and off campus community service.
City Year
http://www.city-year.org
City Year's mission is to put idealism to work by tapping the civic power of young people for an annual campaign of idealism.
Do Something
http://www.dosomething.org
Promotes national community action and awareness for youth within their environment. Offers training program, grants, and assistants for community leaders.
GuideStar
http://www.guidestar.org
Web clearinghouse of information on non-profit organizations.
Habitat for Humanity International
http://www.habitat.org
A Christian organization that welcomes volunteers from all faiths to help bring together families and communities in need by building decent affordable housing.
National Association of Service & Conservation Corps
http://www.nascc.org/
A membership organization for youth programs. Their mission is to strengthen the quality of existing youth programs and to promote the development of new ones.
National Council of Churches
http://www.nccusa.org/
A united effort amongst several churches and faiths to provide disaster relief and general assistance to those in need.
Global Technology Corps
http://www.globaltechcorps.org
The Global Technology Corps (GTC) is a U.S. State Department sponsored public-private partnership that recruits high-tech volunteers for short-term public diplomacy projects worldwide.
Pro Bono Webmasters
http://www.go.to/probonoweb
Pro Bono Webmasters seeks to match up worthy non-profit organizations and outreach activities that need pro bono website design with individuals that are willing and able to offer this type of service.
Resources Graphics
http://www.resourcesgraphics.com/?pg=volunteer
Volunteers with the completely volunteer-supported ResourcesGraphics.com will build a free custom graphic for websites. In return, the websites must link to Resources Graphics, and 75% of all visitors to the link will be linked to the volunteer designer's own webpage.
National 4-H Council
http://www.4hcouncil.edu
A non-profit organization dedicated to building partnerships for community youth development that values and involves youth in solving issues critical to their lives, families and society.
National Youth Leadership Council
http://www.nylc.org
National Youth Leadership Council http://www.nylc.org/ This organization's mission is to engage young people in in their communities and schools through innovation in learning, service, leadership, and public policy. NYLC is at the forefront in efforts to reform the nation's existing educational system.
Points of Light Foundation
http://www.pointsoflight.org
The Foundation's mission is to engage more people more effectively in volunteer community service to help solve serious social problems.
President's Student Service Challenge
http://www.student-service-awards.org
A White House awards program available to all youth ages 5 to 25 who do between 50 and 100 hours of service.
Women in Community Service
http://www.wics.org
The mission of this organization is to reduce the number of young women living in economic dependence.
YMCA of the USA
http://www.ymca.net
The YMCA works to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities through a nationwide network of local YMCA's.
Youth Service America
http://www.ysa.org
YSA is a resource center and premier alliance of over 200 organizations working to increase the quality and quantity of opportunities for youth to serve locally and nationally.
American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacations
http://www.americanhiking.org/events/vv/index.html
A Volunteer Vacation is the perfect opportunity to whip your mind, your body, and some trail miles into shape. AHS sponsors year-round, two-week "vacations" that need volunteers to help with outdoor conservation efforts in remote national parks, national forests, and state parks.
Appalachian Mountain Club
http://www.outdoors.org/
Whether you long for the sea breezes of its rugged coast or a remote backcountry experience in the North Woods, Maine is a great place to wrap up your summer. Contribute your time (and muscles!) to the most beautiful natural areas in the East by participating in a weeklong volunteer trail crew.
Boys Hope Girls Hope
http://www.boyshopegirlshope.org/
Helps children who are hurt and at-risk, yet academically capable, to realize their potential by providing value-centered family-like homes and quality education through college.
Brethren Volunteer Service
http://www.brethren.org/genbd/bvs/
BVS, which has been a major program of Christian denomination since 1948, needs volunteers to work on interdenominational projects for one year. Volunteers are needed to work with at-risk youth, people with disabilities, homeless families, refugees, prisoners, people with AIDS, and elderly persons living alone.
Christian Appalachian Project
http://www.christianity.com/cap
The Christian Appalachian Project is an interdenominational, non-profit Christian organization committed to serving people in need in Appalachia by providing physical, spiritual and emotional support through a wide variety of programs and services.
Heifer Project Intenational
http://www.heifer.org/
HPI is a worldwide ecumenical nonprofit organization that both educates the public about the causes of hunger and provides livestock, poultry, training, and related agricultural services to people in developing areas. Volunteers are needed for short and long term projects and to help in regional offices around the U.S.
Jesuit Volunteer Corps
http://www.jesuitvolunteers.org/
The Jesuit Volunteer Corps is a non-profit Christian organization that offers the opportunity to explore the meaning of the Gospel while working full-time for justice and peace in communities throughout the U.S.
Lutheran Volunteer Corps
http://www.lvchome.org/
LVC encourages people of all Christian faiths to commit a year of full-time service, explore a simplified lifestyle, and live in an intentional Christian community.
Mennonite Central Committee
http://www.mcc.org/
MCC was built on the conviction that meeting human needs and services to others is an integral part of the Christian life. Volunteers work to remove barriers that separate people from each other and from God in a ministry of reconciliation.
Mennonite Voluntary Service
http://www.mennonitevs.org/welcome.html
Rooted in the spirit of Jesus, MVS encourages people from a variety of backgrounds to join together in Christian service. Assignments often challenge old assumptions and call for new lifestyles. We invite you to face the challenge.
Passionist Lay Missioners
http://www.passionist.org/plm/
The Passionist Lay Missioners is a one to two year program designed to allow men and women an opportunity to integrate full-time service work with the poor, community living, faith, reflection and social action.
Presbyterian Church (USA), Mission Volunteers
http://nvo.pcusa.org/nvo/g.html
The Worldwide Ministries Division offers volunteer opportunities for people willing to live simply while helping to meet the needs of people living in poverty.
Teach for America
http://www.tfanetwork.org/join_our_corps/home.asp
A national teacher corps, TFA is composed of dedicated individuals from all academic majors and cultural backgrounds who commit a minimum of two years to teach in under-resourced urban and rural public schools.
VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America)
http://www.friendsofvista.org/
VISTA is a full-time volunteer program for men and women from all backgrounds who commit themselves to helping low-income individuals and families in the U.S. to improve their lives.
Diabetic/Disabled Anonymous
http://www.DDAexchange.org
DDA Diabetic/Disabled Anonymous is a free resource for recycling and volunteering.
The Foundation Center
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/index.jhtml
A very helpful listing of grant opportunities in several different categories.