Imagine a world where young people hold the power, passion, and resources to shape their own communities for the better. The Youth Impact Fund, supported by My Brother’s Keeper Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Do Greater Charlotte, turns this vision into reality by empowering youth to lead change in areas like sustainability, health, justice, education, and community development—proving that no one is ever too young to make a lasting difference
The Youth Impact Fund, supported by My Brother’s Keeper Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Do Greater Charlotte, is a microgrant program designed to empower young people as active agents of change in their communities. Rooted in the belief that “you are never too young to lead and never too old to learn,” the program provides both financial resources and mentorship to catalyze youth-led initiatives addressing pressing social issues
Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are home to diverse and vibrant communities facing challenges in environmental sustainability, health and wellness, social justice, education, and community development. The Youth Impact Fund was created to bridge resource gaps and inspire innovative, youth-driven solutions. The program invites young leaders to dream big—asking, “If resources were unlimited, what would you do to create change?”—and then supports them in turning those visions into actionable projects
Young people often lack access to funding and support to implement their ideas for positive change, despite their creativity and passion. The challenge is to provide not only financial resources but also the skills, mentorship, and networks necessary to help youth effectively address community issues and measure their impact.
The Youth Impact Fund offers microgrants and comprehensive support for youth-led projects. Main activities include:
The program measures success through both quantitative and qualitative metrics, such as the number of youth served, project outcomes, and community feedback. By investing in young leaders and their ideas, the Youth Impact Fund cultivates a culture of innovation, equity, and shared responsibility for community well-being
