Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the TYCL FAQ page. Here you will find answers to the most common questions about our youth mental health programs, innovation grants, volunteering, board membership, and ways to support our work. If you do not see your question here, please reach out. We are happy to help.
TYCL International is a youth-centered nonprofit that supports youth-led innovation through small grants and accompaniment. We place trust and resources directly in the hands of young people so they can design and lead solutions rooted in their own communities.
We currently support youth-led innovation in the United States, India, Colombia, and South Africa, with connections across global learning and advocacy spaces.
Trust for Youth and Child Leadership.
The Board provides governance, strategic guidance, and accountability, ensuring TYCL remains focused on supporting youth-led innovation through small grants.
Values-aligned leaders who believe in youth leadership, trust-based philanthropy, and locally driven change.
Yes. TYCL International, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States.
Donations support small grants, accompaniment, and learning opportunities for youth-led initiatives, as well as responsible administration.
Yes. Monthly giving and community fundraising help sustain youth-led innovation throughout the year.
- Young people typically between the ages of 15 and 30
- Youth-led organizations or informal groups
- Teams with a clear connection to their local community
No. Informal groups, collectives, and early-stage teams are welcome to apply.
No. We value lived experience, community insight, and commitment more than formal credentials.
We look for youth leadership, clear understanding of community needs, creative and locally grounded approaches, and realistic planning.
You can subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media.
You can reach us through our contact form or by email. We welcome questions and connections.
Yes. We collaborate with schools, nonprofits, research institutions, and businesses that support youth-led innovation and community-rooted solutions.
Partnerships may include funding support, learning exchange, research collaboration, or amplification of youth-led work.
Youth-led innovation means young people identify community needs, design solutions, and lead implementation. TYCL does not prescribe project ideas or outcomes. Youth decide what change looks like.
Youth-led ideas shaped by local priorities. These often include wellbeing, creative expression, digital safety, community organizing, environmental action, youth rights, and local advocacy.
TYCL provides flexible micro-grants paired with accompaniment. Funding supports early-stage ideas and allows youth teams to adapt, learn, and grow their projects over time.
Grant amounts are intentionally small and flexible. Amounts vary based on context, needs, and available funding.
No. Along with small grants, TYCL offers accompaniment such as mentorship, reflection spaces, and opportunities to connect with other youth innovators.
No. TYCL does not deliver programs. All projects are designed and led by young people. TYCL’s role is to support, not direct.
Adults who believe in youth leadership and want to support youth-led innovation through skills, time, or mentorship.
Grant support, learning and reflection facilitation, communications, research, storytelling, and administrative support.
Yes. Many volunteer opportunities are remote.
Ready to stand with youth leaders?
Whether you bring lived experience, professional expertise, or financial resources, there is a place for you in this community. Join our board, make a gift, or volunteer your time to help young people build the futures they deserve.
