9/11 Day Youth Service Grants

This program helps youth-serving organizations empower young people to serve their communities in observance of 9/11 Day — the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance — as the nation commemorates the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Supported projects focus on meaningful action, thoughtful reflection, and measurable community impact.

Eligible applicants include youth-serving nonprofit, faith-based, civic, and community organizations that can support youth-led service projects. Applicants must be able to manage grant funds and complete basic reporting requirements.

Yes. The program includes funding opportunities designed to support local organizations, chapters, and pilot projects, as well as larger, multi-site initiatives.

Applicants may request funding of up to $75,000, depending on the scope and scale of the proposed project. Organizations should request only the amount needed and include a clear budget explaining how funds will be used.

No. Funding levels are planning guidelines, not fixed tiers. Final award amounts will be based on project scope, budget, demonstrated capacity, and available funding.

Projects should take place in September 2026, ideally on or around September 11. Limited flexibility may be available to accommodate scheduling challenges.

Yes. While projects should be anchored around 9/11 Day, organizations are encouraged to offer opportunities for continued service or volunteer engagement beyond a single day when appropriate.

Eligible activities include youth-led service projects such as community cleanups, donation drives, kindness or awareness campaigns, neighborhood improvement efforts, peer-led initiatives, or other service activities aligned with the values of 9/11 Day.

Yes. Youth Engagement Grants are supported in part by federal funding through AmeriCorps. Selected grantees will be required to comply with applicable federal guidelines. 9/11 Day will provide clear guidance, templates, and support to assist with compliance.

Grantees will be asked to complete light-touch reporting, including:

• A brief pre-event plan outlining activities and anticipated youth participation
• A short post-event summary with participation numbers
• Photos, videos, and stories highlighting youth leadership and impact

Reporting templates and timelines will be provided.

No. Matching funds are not required, unless otherwise specified in the application materials.

Yes. Previous grantees are eligible to apply. Funding decisions will consider project quality, organizational capacity, and prior performance.

Subgrantees may recover indirect costs in accordance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and applicable AmeriCorps award terms. Organizations with a current federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) may apply their approved rate. Organizations without a NICRA may elect a de minimis indirect cost rate of up to 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC), where permitted by the underlying federal award; a lower rate (e.g., 10%) may also be used if preferred or required based on award terms. Alternatively, subgrantees may choose not to claim indirect costs and instead charge all allowable costs directly. All indirect cost recovery is subject to AmeriCorps administrative cost limitations applicable to the prime award, and 9/11 Day reserves the right to adjust or limit indirect cost reimbursement to ensure compliance.

If a grantee is unable to complete the approved project after receiving funds, unused funds must be returned to 9/11 Day.

Application review timelines and notification dates will be shared when the application opens.

Organizations will be able to contact the 9/11 Day team once applications open. Additional support resources will be provided to all selected grantees.