Wisevoter
Naperville

KidsMatter Opens Applications for Teen Grant Program

The Naperville-based nonprofit is offering $10,000 in total funding to support local 501(c)(3) organizations.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration of a wooden donation box on a desk, representing community grant funding initiatives.
KidsMatter has officially opened its grant application cycle, providing $10,000 in funding for nonprofits while engaging high school students in philanthropic decision-making. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe involving teens in grant-making decisions improves the impact of local charitable programs?

KidsMatter has opened the application window for its Teen Philanthropy Initiative, which provides up to $1,500 in grant funding per organization. The program, supported by the Three Pillars Initiative, aims to benefit young people while teaching them about the nonprofit sector.

Why it matters

This initiative educates local high school students on philanthropy by involving them in the decision-making process for grant disbursements. It bridges the gap between young people and charitable work while providing essential funding for community-focused programs.

KidsMatter has made $10,000 in total grant funding available for qualified applicants. Each 501(c)(3) organization may request up to $1,500 per application.

The players

KidsMatter

This Naperville-based nonprofit organization focuses on helping young people thrive by providing resources and educational programming.

Three Pillars Initiative

Based in Oak Park, this organization provides support for the Teen Philanthropy Initiative grant program.

The details

High school juniors work directly with a program coordinator to evaluate and select the grant recipients. Eligible nonprofits must submit their requests through the organization's official website before the current application window closes.

Timeline

  1. The Teen Philanthropy Initiative began in 2023.

  2. The application window opened on October 30, 2026.

  3. The application window closes on November 9, 2026.

  4. Grant winners will be announced in February or March 2027.

  5. Grants will be presented at a ceremony on April 28, 2027.

Market Landscape

The program strictly aligns with the IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status designation by requiring that all applicants hold this official legal standing. This adherence to federal standards ensures that the local philanthropy market remains compliant with established non-profit governance regulations.

Local nonprofits that meet the 501(c)(3) criteria can now submit requests for up to $1,500 to fund community projects. The application process is managed online, requiring organizations to submit their funding forms directly through the KidsMatter portal.

The takeaway

This program provides a unique opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector by managing the grant selection process. Organizations interested in this funding should ensure their 501(c)(3) status is current before the November deadline.

What happens next

The application window for this grant cycle closes on November 9, 2026. Following the selection process by student volunteers, winners will be announced in February or March 2027, followed by a formal presentation ceremony on April 28, 2027.

Further reading

Learn more about local charitable efforts in the Philanthropy section.

More information

Eligible organizations should submit their funding requests through the KidsMatter grant application website.

Source note: This article includes information reported by NCTV17.

Live Poll

Do you believe involving teens in grant-making decisions improves the impact of local charitable programs?