A few folks who care about teenagers have been thinking very hard about this question:
How DO you love your neighbor in the middle of a pandemic?
We want you to tell us. Gather a team of teenagers, come up with a kickin’ idea, impress our Sharks (judges), and your squad could walk away with a $1500 grant to fund your idea.
Who can participate? Youth workers partnered with groups of teenagers who want to impact their neighborhood, school, online community, workplace, or place that they volunteer. We’d recommend that a youth worker put together a team and serve as a coach.
How do we compete? First, sign up here to let us know you’re interested. Then, send in a 3-5 minute video of your group pitching us an idea by 5 pm on October 15th. Our judges will watch each video and reach out to your group individually via Zoom for questions. Finally, tune in to the online broadcast of the event on Thursday, November 12th. Grants will be announced during the broadcast and by email after the event.
How much money will be given away?
The top prize will be a $1500 grant. We’ll also be giving away smaller grants. Currently, the plan is to give away around $4000 altogether.
Seriously though, what does this look like?
- Maybe you want to use the funds to do a virtual bake sale to raise more money to buy basic needs kits for people experiencing homelessness encamped in the park by your house
- Maybe you want to buy supplies to be able to plan a life-changing online retreat for lonely peers in your youth group
- Maybe you want to get masks screen-printed to help raise funds to support wellness for BIPOC women experiencing trauma
These are only ideas. We bet your group can come up with a project that can have a positive impact on your neighbors.
How do we come up with the idea?
Maybe someone in your group already has the idea and was just waiting for a chance to receive funding. If not, we will also provide a list of guided activities to help you lead your group in dreaming up something impactful.
Who are these sharks (judges)?
We’re working on confirming our panelists. More info to come.
Who is hosting and funding this?
It’s a joint partnership between Youth Ministry Land, Summer Festival Camp, Mill City Church, and Mission Northeast.