Youth-Led

Grantmaking Project

We’re putting funding decisions where they belong: in the hands of Milwaukee’s youth.

Milwaukee youth know what their communities need most - and now, they’ll have the power to fund it.

The Youth-Led Grantmaking Project, launched in March of 2026, gives young people ages 14–24 the opportunity to direct funding toward youth-serving projects that matter most to them.

“This initiative is all about trust. We’re trusting young people to identify what matters most in their communities and to move resources where they’ll have an impact.”

Maria Hamidu, Youth Forward MKE Project Manager

Winning Teams

  • Youth Podcast

    A youth-created and hosted podcast covering mental health, civic engagement, and community issues.
    Project team: D’Adria Veal, Jackson Thao, Perry Perkins, Amber West

  • YardWork

    A youth-created and hosted podcast covering mental health, civic engagement, and community issues.
    Project team: Aisha Ayinla, Hla Kha, Kat Gutierrez, Zoe Rios

  • MKELove Summer Kickback

    An event connecting youth to programs, internships and wellness resources.
    Project team: Yori Toliver, Karina Morales, Tristan Latona, Asaya Thurmond, Gigi Cooks

  • Keep a Clean Mind

    An initiative providing hygiene kits, self-care resources and outreach support to individuals experiencing hardship.
    Project team: Sequoia Hardin, Emani Perkins, Abaigail Wilson

  • Break Through Your Trauma

    A two-day wellness event using physical activities, reflection, and support to help youth process trauma.
    Project team: Nevaeh Basema, Iveliz Hope, Cledor Bomba, Bianca Valleaz, Grant Reed