June 25, 2026 | Volume 33, No. 26 | Published Weekly Since 1994

Last Chance to Apply for We Serve to Remember Grants for 9/11 Day of Service 2026

YSA's We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants are for organizations, schools, and youth changemakers ages 5-25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2026. Grants are $1,000 each. Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth as volunteers in planning and implementing the service activities.

Programming efforts should honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy. Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness that brought people together in the days, weeks, and months after September 11th, we are especially looking for ideas that bring together all members of the community. We suggest starting with eleven reflections about 9/11/01 and related ideas for service or service-learning projects.

We also encourage applicants to take a look at new resources from 911Day.org. These free, age-appropriate lesson plans and other educational resources are built by educators, anchored in primary sources, and aligned with the standards you already teach. There are 62 free downloads in all - lesson plans and classroom activities for every grade level, the Teacher’s Guide, and materials for families.

Learn More and Apply by June 30 at YSA.org/911Day#grants

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NEWS FROM THE FIELD

America Gives - America250

Be part of the largest volunteer effort in U.S. history. Help us make 2026 a record setting year of volunteer service. Join people and organizations across the country in giving back — from service projects to donations — to honor America’s 250th. Add your volunteer hours!

Giving 4th - America250

Giving 4th is a movement to transform Independence Day into the largest single day of charitable giving in U.S. history and to make July 4th a permanent fixture on the American giving calendar. Will you join us? Take our pledge to “Give 4th” by making a charitable gift this July 4.

America's Block Party - July 3-4

The biggest Fourth of July in American history starts with you. America’s Block Party will unite communities nationwide on July 3 and 4 for live music, local celebration, and something new: a call to give back.

America's Potluck - July 5

America's Potluck is an opportunity for neighbors to join with one another to share a fun, communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging and fostering interactions among people from all walks of life.

GRANTS & AWARDS

Morgan Stanley Children's Mental Health Innovation Awards - Deadline: July 24

This initiative invites U.S.-based 501c3 charities with an annual total revenue under $5 million to submit innovative ideas for advancing children’s mental health. There are two award categories: the Innovation Awards ($100,000 each) which are open to all, and the Next Gen Innovation Awards ($25,000 - $50,000 each) which are open to nonprofits founded and/or led by leaders under 32 years old, with more than two years in operation.

Human Connection Microgrant Program - Deadline: July 31

Have an idea to bring your community closer together? The Workday Foundation's Human Connection Microgrant Program is open now, with $500,000 worth of grants ranging from $2,500-$10,000 available. They're looking for projects that bring people together and provide a way for them to have fun together, including volunteer and service projects that unite neighbors around a common goal while building lasting relationships.

RESOURCES & TRAININGS

TED Talks on Democracy Playlist

Democracy is an ever-evolving work in progress - and it's far from finished. Explore powerful ideas from leaders imagining, building and sustaining a brighter democratic future.

Journey to American Democracy |The Declaration in Action Playlist

The revolutionary idea that everyone is created equal inspired Americans who were excluded from voting, economic opportunity, civil rights, or citizenship, to demand that we turn the principles of the Declaration of Independence into reality. This video series explores ten of these leaders.

STORIES OF SERVICE

Everyday Young Hero: Tess Reiman

Tess Reiman (17 | Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida) was only 13 years old when her older brother spent an entire summer building Habitat for Humanity homes. She wanted to help, but she was too young to build. Tess asked Habitat if she could help the children moving into Habitat homes, and staff loved the idea. Tess started Project Storybook to address the problem that 60 percent of children in poverty do not have books at home to call their own.

Tess started raising money and providing new books to children moving into local Beaches Habitat for Humanity homes. Because she was so successful locally, she expanded the program quickly to HabiJax and St Augustine Habitat, helped a friend expand to Orlando Habitat, and began working with college Habitat for Humanity clubs. Project Storybook grew so quickly that Tess was featured in the Habitat for Humanity Annual Report. Project Storybook provides a project for kids under 16 (the age you must be to help build) to help their local Habitat for Humanity office.

Tess has engaged friends by asking them to help with fundraising, or by inviting them to join her at Habitat for Humanity move-in ceremonies. She has engaged college students to launch Project Storybook programs in their college communities, including the University of Florida, University of Tennessee, University of Georgia, and Brown University. Tess has expanded Project Storybook by engaging two friends to launch Project Play, a partnership which raises money to donate play equipment to Habitat children. She has also developed a partnership with national nonprofit First Book to provide an online fundraising capability and the ability to buy books at cost. To date, Tess's Project Storybook has donated 1,000 books to more than 300 children moving into Habitat for Humanity homes.