Engaging Youth
Sparking Curiosity
Opening Pathways
Young people thrive when they are given meaningful opportunities to do, lead, and imagine what’s possible. The Don Wood Foundation awards grants for programs that prioritize early and frequent opportunities for young people to:
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Explore STEAM through doing, not just observing
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Build foundational leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset alongside technical curiosity, building their capability for adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork
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Explore and navigate career pathways, so more students can see themselves in high-skill, high-wage technical careers
When every student in northeast Indiana has access to hands-on STEAM experiences and can connect learning to real careers in their communities, they develop the leadership skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed to power Next-Gen Manufacturing—today and tomorrow.
Grant Opportunities
Through the Camps, Clubs, & Competitions Mini-Grant, we support programs that engage young people from preschool through high school in activities such as (but not limited to):
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STEAM Camps or Clubs,
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Robotics Clubs and Competitions, and
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STEAM-related classroom tools and activities.
When Are Applications Accepted?
The Don Wood Foundation accepts Camps, Clubs, and Competitions grant applications at any time throughout the year. Grant award decisions are made monthly.
Helpful Links:
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Grant Guidelines: Please carefully review the Grant Guidelines to determine if your proposal aligns with the Don Wood Foundation’s grantmaking priorities. You can access the guidelines here.
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Apply Now: We welcome nonprofit organizations to submit an application for our Camps, Clubs, and Competitions grant programs via our online Grant Portal here.
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Competition: We invite teams that have qualified for regional, state, or national competitions to submit an application for assistance to attend the event here.
Outcomes Report:
If a grant is awarded, the grant partner will be asked to submit an Outcomes Report sharing the progress made during the grant period in attaining the outcomes. The Don Wood Foundation will consider renewing the grant for the program upon receipt of an acceptable Outcomes Report. Access our online Grant Portal to submit an Outcomes Report here.
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Through the Engaging Youth Grant Program, the Don Wood Foundation supports programs and initiatives that:
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Engage youth in STEAM and career exploration experiences that help them imagine future possibilities
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Provide early, frequent, and hands-on learning experiences that engage students as active participants, not passive observers
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Build foundational skills and mindsets, including curiosity, confidence, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, persistence, and a growth mindset
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Offer progressive experiences that deepen over time as youth grow
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Expand access to opportunity by reducing barriers to participation
We are particularly interested in programs that center student voice and agency, are developmentally appropriate, and are delivered in partnership with schools, educators, and community organizations.
When Are Applications Accepted?
Effective in 2026
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Application deadlines: July 15, 2026, and September 15, 2026
Beginning in 2027
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Application deadlines: March 15 and September 15
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an Ideas Form and connect with a Program Officer 2–3 months before the application deadline.
Helpful Links:
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Grant Guidelines: Please carefully review the Grant Guidelines to determine if your proposal aligns with the Don Wood Foundation’s grantmaking priorities. You can access the guidelines here.
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Have an idea? We’d love to learn more! Submit an Eligibility Quiz and Ideas Form via our online Grant Portal here.
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We want to learn from what’s working and invest in what can expand access for students across the region. If you represent a youth-serving nonprofit or PK-12 school, please contact:
