President’s Day and Youth Leadership

How do we make a leader? How do we promote leadership among our youth? Today we honor those presidents who have dedicated their lives to public service and have helped define America's role in the world. Through periods of crisis, and periods of prosperity, good times and bad, presidents have lead this country and have acted in both domestic and foreign relations in order to ensure a better future for us all.

President George Washington our first president organized the first United States Cabinet and the Executive Branch, established the USA federal judiciary and played a major roll in bringing amendments to the US Constitution through the Bill of Rights. President Abraham Lincoln signed the first of the Homestead Acts, allowing poor people to obtain land, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation which led to abolishing slavery in the United States.  Events such as the Civil War, the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, the formation of NATO, WWI and II, the Louisiana Purchase, 911 and so many more, have required clear thought and due diligence to act in order to preserve the American character and make us the country that we are today. 

Community nonprofit organizations, schools and small businesses promoting youth leadership look to for funding opportunities to grow the character and values needed to mold and empower youth to become leaders.

Grants to USA Youth to Support Volunteer Service Projects & Events – ongoing

Grants of up to $500 to USA youth (up to age 19) for youth-initiated and youth-led activities addressing issues in the areas of environment, democracy and equality, health, and community. Funds will support ongoing volunteer programs and events

Grants to USA and Canada Nonprofits for Educational and Youth Programs – ongoing

Grants typically ranging from $500 to $2,000 to USA and Canada nonprofits to support programs in the areas of education and youth development. Programs include educational services, youth mentorship and development, community and family outreach, cultural events, summer camps and extracurricular programs, holiday retreats and educational resources.

Grants to USA Nonprofits for Programs About Democracy, Capitalism, and Citizens' Rights – 3/15/16

Grants to USA nonprofit organizations for programs that educate about capitalism, preserve the principles of democracy and core American values, protect citizens' rights, and encourage leadership and personal responsibility. Funding may be provided for operating, capital, or program support.

Grants to USA High School Educators and Student Teams to Create Technology Solutions – LOI 3/7/16 

Grants of up to $10,000 to USA and territories high school educators and teams of students to invent technological solutions to real-world problems of their own choosing. Initial applications are due March 7. Projects span many fields like assistive devices, environmental technologies, consumer goods, and experimental vehicles.

And we should also honor the teachers who have helped to mold these youth leaders:

Awards to USA, Canada and International K-12 Teachers for Making a Positive Difference in Their Students' Lives – 05/02/16 

Awards of $6,000 to USA, Canada and International K-12 classroom teachers who have demonstrated their capacity to change the outcome of students’ lives and the communities where they teach. Entries should illustrate how the nominee meets the following criteria: Exceptional dedication and skill in shaping and influencing children’s lives through excellence in educational effort…

Contact us at 561-249-4129 for these opportunities!

About the Author: Libby Hikind is the Founder and CEO of Christopher Waldeck is the social media strategist and content contributor at