Applications for the 2016 Youth Philanthropy Contest are available now!
Complete contest guidelines and FAQs.
Contest Application [pdf] | Fill-in Contest Application [docx]
What is this?
The Youth Philanthropy Contest is an exciting opportunity for youth and young adults to use their creativity, compassion, and love of their community to make a difference. We want people from Kindergarten through age 25 to ask themselves this question: How can I make a difference in my community?
Applicants will submit their best ideas to change the world, right here in their own backyards. Contest winners will receive up to $1,000 to implement their projects!
What do you mean “make a difference?”
We are looking for projects that help our community grow and change for the better and are “philanthropic” in nature. Philanthropy is a big word but it can be easily understood as “giving of your time, talents, and treasure for the benefit of all.” Here are some questions to help you think about ways to make things better in your community:
- What do I care about?
- How can my caring help others?
- What in my community needs fixing?
- What would make my community a better place?
Your idea could be something you’ve been thinking about for a while or a totally random spark of inspiration – as long as it benefits others. You could save something, create something, or change something. Tell us about your best idea for making a difference!
What kinds of ideas qualify?
We’re looking for philanthropic projects that:
- Have a positive impact on the community.
- Can be completed by October 1st, 2016.
- Take place in Northeast Nebraska.
- Are charitable in nature (which means it must focus on serving the public interest or common good).
- Directly involves youth in the project work.
Do I have to do this by myself?
Not unless you want to! You can do a project on your own, with friends, or as part of a class, club or group. The contest has five different age-based categories for youth, so find the one that works for you. The winner of each category will receive up to $1,000 to 
complete their community project. In addition, there will be five “best of show” projects chosen also! If you add it up, that is $10,000 worth of great things that will be happening to make our community a better place. See where you fit in below:
- Kindergarten – 4th Grade
- 5th Grade – 6th Grade
- 7th – 8th Grade
- 9th Grade – 12th Grade
- Young Adult (through age 25)
**If the group has various ages of youth, the age group is determined by the age of the oldest person participating.
How do I complete an application?
Click here to download all the contest rules, information, and the application form!
What do I do with my contest application and display once they are done?
Projects can be dropped off at the Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk on the campus of Northeast Community College, 801 East Benjamin Avenue, during the following times: Friday, February 5th, 3-6pm or Saturday, February 6th, 8-10am. When you drop off your projects, a committee member will check through all your paperwork and then escort you to a table where you can set up your project display for judging. The Selection Committee will review projects on Saturday, February 6, during which time they will select the contest winners.
How will I know if my project was selected as a contest winner?
All contest participants must attend the Celebrate Giving Youth Project Showcase at the Lifelong Learning Center on Saturday, February 6 from 5-7pm. Contest winners will be notified at the beginning of the Youth Project Showcase. All participants will display and talk about their projects with guests. Even if your project is not selected as a contest winner, you may receive project funding from guests at the event. Come ready to talk to people and sell your project idea!
If you have any questions, please contact us at youthcontest@philanthropycouncilne.org.