KEYS grant deadline is approaching soon!

Kosciusko Endowment Youth Services (KEYS) is accepting grant applications for educational programs and projects impacting students in Kosciusko County. The upcoming application deadline is January 15, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.

KEYS is a youth philanthropy program of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. It is comprised of twenty students who attend the four high schools located in Kosciusko County: Lakeland Christian Academy, Tippecanoe Valley, Warsaw Community Schools and Wawasee Community Schools. Students are selected to join in eighth grade and remain active members in the program until they graduate from high school.

While in KEYS, members meet once a month to discuss philanthropy and build leadership skills. The students also go on site visits to local nonprofits to learn, serve or bond as a team. Twice a year, in January and September, KEYS members consider grant applications for educational projects serving Kosciusko County residents. The average grant size is $500, but requests up to $1,000 may be considered. Annually, KEYS awards around $25,000.

“KEYS grant applications should center around innovative ideas that incorporate project-based or experiential learning,” said Terrill Hooks, program officer at the Community Foundation. This can include hands-on activities, educational games and unique technology. “Get creative!” Hooks added.

Past grantees have been awarded funding for child care and early learning programs, rhythm sticks for a music class, electric circuit kits, activities for social emotional learning, materials to build a CNC router, and more. To view a full list of 2021-22 applicants and to apply, visit kcfoundation.org/grants/keys-grants. Or, call 574-267-1901.