Making your youth program description stand out in grant proposals

Your education or youth program is important and worthy of grant funding, but then again, so are other youth-serving programs. A key factor in securing funding is ensuring you make it clear why your program – of the many important ones – should receive funding. The most compelling program descriptions tell a deeper story about youth impact and engagement.

Start with the "Why" ❓

Many grant applications have a section titled, “Program Activities,” but this is kind of a misnomer. When we’re talking about social impact, we don’t want to simply fund activities. We want to fund change. Before diving into what your program does, establish why it matters. Connect your program directly to community needs and explain how your approach addresses these needs. This shows funders you're not just running activities - you're responding to real challenges facing young people in your community.

Center Youth Voice 🗣️

Speaking of the challenges facing young people… One of the most powerful ways to strengthen your program description is by incorporating youth voice. Not only should you include quotes or success stories from the young people your program serves, but show how youth input shapes your program design, implementation, and evaluation. When describing your program structure, highlight opportunities for youth leadership and decision-making. This demonstrates your commitment to meaningful youth engagement rather than treating young people as passive service recipients.

Paint a Clear Picture 🎨

Grant reviewers should be able to envision your program in action. Instead of broad statements like "we provide educational activities," describe what participation looks like:

- What happens in a typical session?

- How do youth engage with staff and peers?

- What skills are they developing?

- How does the program environment support learning?

Be specific without getting lost in minute details. Focus on the elements that demonstrate your program's unique approach and connection to intended outcomes.

Demonstrate Intentional Design 🎯

Strong program descriptions show careful thought behind every element. Explain how your program structure, staffing, and activities align with youth development best practices. What’s your organization’s rationale behind your approach? What data informs your approach? And how have you or will you evaluate your method? Highlight how you:

- Create an inclusive, culturally responsive environment

- Adapt to different learning styles and needs

- Build in progression opportunities

- Support skill development

- Foster peer connections

- Engage families and community partners

Connect Activities to Outcomes 🔗

Help funders see the direct line between what you do and the change you create. Rather than listing activities in isolation, explain how each component contributes to your intended impact. This shows strategic thinking and strengthens your overall grant narrative. For each activity participants engage in, what’s the intended experience? What will they gain?

Use Asset-Based Language 💪

The way you describe your program matters. Use language that highlights youth potential rather than deficits. I know one aspect of compelling writing is to tug at the heartstrings, but framing the youth that you serve as hopeless does more harm than good. Besides – if the need is so hopeless, why put money there? You get the idea.

Use Active Language

Use language that positions youth as active participants rather than passive recipients. Phrases like, “Youth develop team building and leadership skills by collaborating, planning, and leading community service projects” are more powerful than "Youth are provided with leadership training," or “Educators provide leadership training to youth in the program.”

Make Every Word Count

Grant applications often have strict character limits for program descriptions. Make your writing clear and concise. Every sentence should serve a purpose - whether establishing a need, explaining an approach, or demonstrating impact.

Remember, your program description isn't just about securing funding. It's an opportunity to show funders how your organization thinks strategically about creating positive change for youth in your community. Take time to craft a narrative that truly captures your program's value and potential.