1.    How do I get a job at YFYI?

We recruit new youth (ages 14-17) to be part of the program in May every other year. When we recruit new youth, the application will be here on this website. So if you are interested, please check this website in May of 2011 for more details.

2.    Can I volunteer at YFYI?

Yes, you certainly can. If you are interested, please contact us and we will arrange it for you.

3.    My project didn’t get funded, what do I do now?

YFYI will help you develop your project more and go over aspects of your project that need change or additions. You can then submit your proposal again for the next funding cycle. If preferred, YFYI can also help you find other possible funders.

4.    How do I apply for a grant?

Our application is here on this website. If preferred, you can come into our office to pick up a hard copy. Fill out the application and submit it to us by the deadline via email, fax, or at our office.

5.    What’s the maximum amount of grant money I can apply for each cycle?

$10,000

6.    Where can I find a fiscal sponsor?

You simply need to find a non-profit organization that can be in charge of the financial aspects of your project. If you can’t find one, please contact YFYI and we will help you find one.

7.   Why didn’t my project get funded?

There are different reasons for why each project didn’t get funded.  Here is a list for possible reasons as to why:

-Underdevelopment

-Lack of youth leadership

-Project idea not well thought out

-Unrealistic

-Project does not benefit the community

-Does not create sustainable change

-Lack of focus

-Too much adult involvement

8. Can I come to the office for help with my project?

Yes, please call us to schedule an appointment.

9. If my project got funded in past cycles, can I apply again with the same project?

Yes, you can. However the project will only considered if there are increases in scope and focus.

10. Is there a minimum amount to be considered for funding?

No

11. What ways can we turn in the grant application to YFYI?

You can turn it in via email, fax, or in person. Email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Fax to 415-755-2247, or in person at 965 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105.

12. If I'm eighteen can I apply for a grant?

YFYI can only give grants to youth between the ages of 13 and 17. However, 18 year olds may still be involved in the projects as long as the projects are fundamentally led by youth between the        required ages of 13-17.

13. How do you get prepared for an interview?

Make sure you know your project well and be prepared to answer questions about the project.

14. If my project is funded, can I rearrange my budget?

Yes, depending on the situation. If so, you must submit a request in writing and receive approval from your Program Officer.

15. When is the deadline for applying for funding?

YFYI has three funding cycles each year. The applications are due on October 1st, January 5th, and April 1st, at 8pm. Deadlines are set up so that YFYI has sufficient time to review proposals,    interview applicants and make a funding decision.

17. What are funding categories?

They are categories in which YFYI classifies projects so we can evaluate and know which types of issues we are targeting.

16. What are YFYI's 9 funding categories?

- Arts

- Education

- Entrepreneurship

- Environment

-Health

- Juvenile Justice

-Recreation

-Violence Prevention

-Youth Employment

17) Where does YFYI get it’s funding? YFYI gets its funding from a combination of public and private sources, the largest of which comes from the Department of Children, Youth and their Families (DCYF) and its Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF). In addition, YFYI also receives funding from the Christensen Fund.

Please refer to the project application for additional FAQs.