Youth Development Volunteer Initiative

The goal of the Youth Development Volunteer Initiative (YDVI) is to strengthen organizations in youth development programming.

‍MSA awards matching grants of up to $10,000 to provide capacity-building opportunities for organizations to better engage volunteers by creating, expanding, and replicating promising models.

Youth Development Volunteer Initiative FAQ

Who can apply for a YDVI grant?

Nonprofits and Volunteer Connector Organizations (VCOs)* working on new and existing youth development programming are eligible to apply for a YDVI grant.

*Volunteer Connector Organizations include agencies that connect individuals with volunteer opportunities and support organizations in effectively using those volunteers to create meaningful change in local communities.

What can YDVI funds be used for?

YDVI funds can be used for:

Implementation of new programming, expansion* of existing programming, or replication of promising models that either
Engaging volunteers of all ages to support underserved youth
Engaging underserved youth as volunteers to meet urgent community needs
Volunteer capacity building initiatives (such as training programs, database implementation, marketing campaigns etc.) that intend to engage significantly more underserved youth and/or volunteers.

How are YDVI grants funded?

YDVI is currently funded by the Massachusetts Service Alliance's connection to AmeriCorps' Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF).

How do I learn more about getting the YDVI grant?

Contact Chris Woods, MSA's Program Officer for Volunteer Initiatives, for more information!