Grantmaking

What We Fund

We understand youth-led social change as a long-term process that builds the confidence, knowledge, skills, and collective leadership of young people while addressing the root causes of injustice and inequity in their lives and communities. Our grantmaking programs are designed to support organizations centering youth voice to implement social justice though youth leadership and youth organizing practices.Please be aware that PFF is currently providing multiyear support to a core group of grantees and is not in a position to support new applicants. However, if you are engaged in Youth Led Social Change work that you would like to share with us, please send an introductory email to Program Associate Mercedes MacAlpine at mmacalpine@perrinfamilyfoundation.org.

In addition to the specific criteria associated with each grant program, all organizations eligible for funding must exhibit a commitment to the following organizational practices:

YOUTH-ADULT PARTNERSHIPS

Organizations must create opportunities for youth to work in partnership with adults to take on authentic, meaningful, decision-making roles in the programs and organizations in which they participate. Youth voices are valued, respected, and acted upon.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MODEL

Organizations must have a thoughtful and intentional process for developing young people’s leadership capacity. Rather than focusing solely on individual skill-building, the leadership development model should actively work to develop the shared, collective leadership of a group of young people over a sustained period of time, and encourage young people to take an active role in supporting the leadership development of their fellow participants.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Organizations must seek to impact not just individual youth, but a broader community. Organizations should actively work to eliminate the invisible boundaries between nonprofit organizations and the communities in which they exist by encouraging and supporting young people to explore, discuss, investigate and address the realities of their lives, experiences and the communities in which they live.

1. YOUTH-ADULT PARTNERSHIPS

Organizations must create opportunities for youth to work in partnership with adults to take on authentic, meaningful, decision-making roles in the programs and organizations in which they participate. Youth voices are valued, respected, and acted upon.

2. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MODEL

Organizations must have a thoughtful and intentional process for developing young people’s leadership capacity. Rather than focusing solely on individual skill-building, the leadership development model should actively work to develop the shared, collective leadership of a group of young people over a sustained period of time, and encourage young people to take an active role in supporting the leadership development of their fellow participants.

3. COMMUNITY IMPACT

Organizations must seek to impact not just individual youth, but a broader community. Organizations should actively work to eliminate the invisible boundaries between nonprofit organizations and the communities in which they exist by encouraging and supporting young people to explore, discuss, investigate and address the realities of their lives, experiences and the communities in which they live.

Where We Fund

The Perrin Family Foundation is committed to supporting the healthy growth and development of young people in under-resourced communities across Connecticut. Organizations that are not working in Connecticut are not eligible for grant support.

Who We Fund

We provide funding opportunities to organizations of various sizes and believe in supporting work led by community leaders. The organizations we support must engage young people between the ages of 13-24. We fund organizations with independent 501c3 status or groups that are fiscally sponsored by a tax-exempt organization. Preference is given to small, nascent, and/or grassroots organizations.