the next generation of philanthropy
Since 2014, United Way of the Piedmont has engaged Spartanburg County high school juniors and seniors in our Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB). YPB is an initiative of United Way and Spartanburg Academic Movement. Throughout the school year, the board meets monthly to explore community issues and allocate funds through micro-grants to youth programs in our community.
Apply for a grant
United Way of the Piedmont’s & Spartanburg Academic Movement’s 2025-2026 Youth Philanthropy Board is currently accepting grant applications to support programs that address Education, Economic Mobility, and Health. The Youth Philanthropy Board provides high school-aged students in the Spartanburg community with direct, hands-on grant-making experience. Students also learn about community indicators, develop critical thinking & leadership skills, and connect with community leaders.
Grant requests should be between $500 - $1,000. Priority will be given to programs that address youth-related areas listed below:
- Mental & Physical Health
- Academic Advising
- Career Readiness
- Financial security/literacy
- Improving Relationships
- Substance us prevention
- Texting while driving
One final area of consideration will be given to programs that include significant youth involvement either in the development, design, and /or implementation of the program.
Please see the grant application below for additional details. All forms should be submitted to Spartanburg Academic Movement Youth Philanthropy Board; Attention Savannah Ray; 101 N Pine Street, Suite 160 Spartanburg, SC 29302 or may be emailed to sray@learnwithsam.org by 5PM on Monday, December 1.
All applicants will be contacted by Monday, December 8th regarding their application and invitation to participate in the Q&A with the Youth Philanthropy Board in January or February. Funding decisions will be made in March 2025.
Please feel free to contact Savannah Ray at
sray@learnwithsam.org directly if you have any questions.
