Grants: Youth With Disabilities

Posted by on May 07, 2012

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation Offers Support for National Projects to Empower Youth With Disabilities
Deadline: June 1, 2012 (Concept Papers)

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation provides grants for innovative projects in the United States that are designed to empower youth (birth through college-aged) with disabilities to lead productive lives, giving preference to areas where Mitsubishi Electric facilities are located.

The MEAF national grants program provides funding to nonprofit organizations that are working toward the full inclusion of young people with disabilities in society. Proposed projects should be national in scope and impact, or model projects that can be replicated at multiple sites.

Grants are designed to support innovative projects that help youth with disabilities develop the leadership and employment skills they need to succeed, particularly in STEM fields. MEAF also will consider projects to create tools that help break down barriers to employment and increase job opportunities for young people with disabilities entering the workforce, including returning veterans.

To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. Proposed projects mustdevelop youth leadership and employment skills, and/or create tools for employers that help break down barriers and increase employment opportunities; present an innovative approach that leads to measurable employment outcomes for youth with disabilities, particularly for careers in science, technology, and environmental fields; be national in scope, or model projects that have a definite plan for national replication; support U.S. youth with disabilities as the main beneficiary; promote the full-inclusion of youth with disabilities alongside their peers without disabilities; and have a well-defined evaluation and replication plan. Preference is given to projects that take place in Mitsubishi Electric community locations, or involve employee volunteers.

Grants range from $10,000 to $75,000, for one to three years. The foundation funds six to twelve grants each year.

Visit the MEAF Web site for compete program guidelines, an FAQ, the eligibility quiz, and information on funded projects.

http://www.meaf.org/