Topeka Youth Commission offering $10,000 in grants to fund local youth-led projects

With assistance from the Topeka Community Foundation, the Topeka Youth Commission announced it is now accepting applications for Stay785, an annual grant program created to fund community projects designed and directed by youth in the Topeka and Shawnee County area.

Stay785 will provide up to $10,000 in funding to support a variety of projects led by local youths. The goal of Stay785 is to give young people in the area a chance to pursue initiatives that bring their visions for Topeka and Shawnee County to life, with the goal of keeping youths involved in the community and attracting more young people to the area. Examples of potential projects include, but are not limited to, public art, restoration projects, DEI initiatives, beautification efforts, local events, and modernization of attractions.

Individuals under the age of 21, in partnership with a local organization, may apply for up to $2,000 in funding to tackle a project of their choice that seeks to improve Topeka/Shawnee County. Awards will be determined by members of the Topeka Youth Commission, based on the quality and strength of each project presented.

“The Stay785 grant is an amazing opportunity to make the Topeka area better for current and future generations,” said Brynne Liedtke, Topeka Youth Commission chair. “It’s not every day that young people in our community get the chance to request up to $2,000 to tackle the projects they can dream up. And that’s exactly what’s happening here — we’re empowering local youth to make a difference.”

“The Topeka Community Foundation has been grateful to partner with the youth commission and impressed with all of the young people serving and providing leadership in Topeka and Shawnee County,” said Shane Warta, the community foundation’s director of strategic initiatives. “We hope to inspire the next generation and introduce the work of grantmaking and philanthropy to a younger generation. We are confident many impactful and creative projects will be brought to life in our community this year.”

More information about Stay785 may be found on the Topeka Community Foundation’s website at TopekaCommunityFoundation.org/grant-information. For direct access to the application, click here. Grant applications close Nov. 15.