When young people feel like they matter, they are less likely to experience depression, consider suicide, or use substances. Only half of Anchorage youth feel valued by their community. Youth Matter Grants help to close that gap by funding youth-led projects that build safety, strengthen youth-adult relationships, and make a difference in the community.
What We Offer
Youth Matter Grants provide Anchorage youth ages 12–24 with up to $5,000 to design and lead a project that builds well-being, enhances safety, strengthens youth-adult relationships, and makes a difference in their community. Projects are team-based and collaborative, and supported by an adult project advisor. Center for Safe Alaskans provides training, coaching, and funding. Youth drive the ideas and decisions from start to finish. Youth Matter Grant Applications open each fall and projects run January through May.
What if our group isn’t part of an organization?
You can still apply. The Center for Safe Alaskans helps groups without an organization find a fiscal sponsor to receive and manage grant funds.
How do I get help with my application?
Staff can help you brainstorm your idea, work through questions, or build a budget. Email Rebekah Wilcox at rebekah@safealaskans.org any time before the deadline.
Is there an info session before I apply?
Yes, there is an optional info session on October 6, 2026, at 1–2 PM or 6–7 PM via Zoom. Email Rebekah for the link.
About Youth Matter Grants
What Youth Matter Grants Fund
Every Youth Matter Grant project should help young people in Anchorage strengthen well-being in their community. That’s the umbrella every project sits under. This year, Center for Safe Alaskans is especially interested in projects about youth mental health, suicide prevention, and protective factors. A project doesn’t have to mention mental health to count. A basketball tournament that mixes up who plays together, a cooking night with elders, or a club for people who feel like they don’t have one can all build the same protective factors as a project that names mental health directly.
The Meaning of Mattering
When youth feel that they matter, they feel seen, valued, and supported. Local youth say what matters most is physical and emotional safety, respect and fairness from adults, and real chances to contribute and lead change in their community.
Building Protective Factors
Protective factors are the things in a young person’s life that help them stay well when things get hard. A friend who checks in, a coach who notices, a place to go after school. Some of the biggest are having at least one adult who shows up for you, close friendships, a sense of belonging, feeling connected at school, having something you’re good at, and knowing where to go for help.
Right-Sizing Your Project
A project a team can actually finish is stronger than a big one that runs out of time or money. Teams have about five months and up to $5,000, so scoping a project down is a sign of good planning, not a weakness.
Who Can Apply
Any Anchorage youth ages 12–24 with an idea can apply. Every team needs a Youth Representative, age 12–24, who leads the project and is the main contact, and a Project Advisor, usually an adult over 25, who manages paperwork and supports the team. Groups don’t need to belong to an organization. The Center for Safe Alaskans can help find a fiscal sponsor. For-profit businesses, political or fundraising projects, and projects that exclude anyone are not eligible.
Application Scoring
Applications are scored out of 100 points, plus up to 5 bonus points for creativity. Youth leadership carries the most weight (25 points), followed by belonging and access (20). The rest is spread across project clarity, community need, impact, and feasibility.
Key Dates
- Applications open: September 21, 2026
- Applications due: October 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM
- Grantees announced: November 16
- Required orientation: November 19
- Projects run: January through May 2027
- Final reports due: May 28
- Celebration event: June 15
Impact of Youth Matter Grants
In 2026, Youth Matter Grants funded five youth-led projects reaching more than 150 community members across Anchorage. All 12 of 12 surveyed youth reported active leadership on their project and a positive experience with adult mentors, and 94% said their project’s environment was inclusive and supportive. After their projects, 85% of youth agreed they matter to their community, and 83% reported having at least three supportive adults in their lives, up from 54% before the program. Since 2023, the program has funded 17 organizations and 25 projects across three cohorts.
Related Links
Learn about the Anchorage Youth Development Coalition.
A six-session series for adults who work with young people.
Safety resources for teen drivers and their families.
Supporters
This program is made possible by the State of Alaska Division of Behavioral Health, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, and AYDC sponsors.