Creative Youth Development RFP: $5 million in new funding for Washington’s youth-centered arts programs
Today, Allen Family Philanthropies (formerly known as the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation) announced a Creative Youth Development Request for Proposal to advance equitable access to high-quality creative youth development programs, for Washington youth ages 13 to 26. AFP is looking to fund existing programs that utilize arts, culture and creative expression as a tool to develop artistic skills, strengthen wellbeing, and increase civic engagement. Up to $5 million in funding will be allocated to 10-12 eligible nonprofits and tribal entities serving youth in Washington that submit a letter of interest (LOI) for further consideration.
Learn more about the LOI and RFP process here
The initiative is rooted in the benefits of Creative Youth Development (CYD), a structured approach to youth learning that combines hands-on art skill building and life skill development to foster wellbeing. CYD programs use creative activities as a foundation for broader development – such as building confidence, leadership abilities, and personal development while fostering artistic expression. “Youth leadership, civic participation, and other valuable life skills all increased significantly among young people who participated in CYD programs,” said Anh Nguyen, director of arts, youth and community for Allen Family Philanthropies. “Recognizing the growing influence of Washington youth on our state’s future, it’s critical for us to support approaches such as CYD that are helping young people develop as whole individuals and active community members.” The CYD movement recognizes that creative expression is essential for healthy youth development, particularly for young people who may have limited access to quality arts opportunities. The RFP will prioritize underserved counties that have the highest potential to increase arts vibrancy.
“This type of youth development programming is extremely effective in cultivating leadership skills that prompt young people to explore their identities, self-expression and creative power,” said Tina LaPadula, arts education project manager with the City of Seattle’s Office of Arts & Culture. “Every student in Washington can benefit from accessing this programming – I appreciate the foundation’s focus on programs in areas of Washington that have historically been underfunded.”
This is the foundation’s first RFP in arts and culture, an expansion of the foundation’s traditional grant-making process. The RFP process is intended to reach a greater spectrum of organizations and approaches currently operating in Washington state.
Applicant organizations that serve youth ages 13-26 during out-of-school-time programs that utilize arts and culture in youth-centered programming are encouraged to apply. LOIs are due on Nov. 19. Organizations from the LOI pool will then be invited to submit a full Request for Proposal. The foundation will host an informational webinar on Sept. 24 at 12 p.m. PT. Registration details can be found here.
About Allen Family Philanthropies Founded in 1988, Allen Family Philanthropies, formerly known as the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, invests in communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond to strengthen arts and culture, empower the next generation of changemakers, and support a global network of partners working to advance biodiversity and human well-being. In addition to its core program areas of arts & culture, youth, and environment, the foundation funds bioscience via the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group and contributes to a wide range of community grants across Washington state. Learn more at www.allenphilanthropies.org.