Grants FAQ


Q. What are the Do Something Grants all about?:

A. We are one of the only organizations that puts money directly into the hands of young people, our community action grants help turn dream projects into a reality and take existing projects to the next level. Past grantees have used the money to create a community-run organic farm, publish a youth-written literary magazine for women of color, and even create an organization that teaches sick kids how to fly. The Do Something Grants program isn’t just about giving money though. Through our monthly alumni calls, newsletters, Boot Camps and online content we provide our grant winners with the skills to grow and sustain their projects.

Q. Am I eligible to apply for a grant?

A. Eligibility Rules:

  • The applicant must be 25 OR UNDER.
  • The applicant must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen (You will be asked to prove citizenship and age if you win).
  • You can APPLY for as many grants as you'd like, but you can only win ONE grant from Do Something in a twelve month period (excluding the Do Something Award).

Q. What can grant money be used for?

A. What the grant money can be used for is specific to each grant, but for some examples of past projects we have funded HERE
Do Something Grants CANNOT be used to fund:

  • Travel Costs (If you are looking for grants to help you cover a travel abroad experience check out mytravelbug.org or studyabroadfunding.org)
  • Individual Sponsorships
  • Shipping Costs
  • Individual School Fees (Do Something Grants are not educational scholarships)
  • Fundraisers*

Q. * How can fundraisers be incorporated into my project?

A. If your project has a fundraising element it can still be considered so long as there is a direct community impact through education, awareness, or taking action. We do not fund projects whose sole goal is to raise funds. Additionally you CANNOT contribute the Do Something Grant money towards your fundraising goal, specifically the money CANNOT be funneled to any other organization.

Q. What do I need to apply for a Grant?

Required
  • A budget detailing how the $500 will be used
  • A recommendation from a non-family member

Optional (but recommended)
  • Photos and video of your project
  • Your project's website

Q. What is an example of a good application?

A. A good application should follow the Judging Criteria Additionally your application should address your individual role in the project; how you are or will measure the impact you are making on your community; and please pay attention to detail in your grammar and spelling.

Q: I started my project with a partner or group. Can we apply together?

A: Unfortunately, no. The grants are for individuals. The best thing to do is to have a serious talk with the other partners in your group and decide on who should represent the project for this application. This person should be a group leader and recognize his/her role to be responsible for the grant money and follow up. If that person wins, the project as a whole benefits but our grants are awarded to individuals.

Q. My project is partnered with another organization, or part of a larger organization. Can I still apply?

A. Yes! If you are partnering with another organization you can apply for a Do Something Grant, so long as your project stands on its own and you are the leader of it. The same is true if your project is a part of a larger organization. Again, the project must be a separate and distinct part of the organization of which you must hold a leading role.

Q. What needs to be included in my budget?

A. Your budget should provide a general overview of your project and how you plan to use your money. Make sure to take a look at what we DO NOT fund, and make sure none of your plans include those items.

Q. How long do I have to use my grant money?

A. You must use your grant money within 6 months of receiving your check. So if your project is planned further in advance than six months, you might want to wait to apply. Remember, the Do Something Grants are accepted on a rolling basis, so you can apply at anytime.

Q. Who should I approach to get a good recommendation?

A. The strongest applicants have recommendations written by people who are well informed about their projects and ideas. This should be someone who knows you well, but more importantly can attest to the goals and strength of your project, rather than your personal character. This means they should know your project or your plan of action, what you’ve done or what you plan to do. Please ask your recommenders to write about their experience with you and their thoughts about your work, your impact, and your collaboration with the community, if possible. They should be as specific as possible. We suggest that you send your recommender the Judging Criteria.

Q. I am getting an error or "Access Denied" message when I try to apply.

A. If you are having trouble posting a project or viewing the application it is most likely because you have not verified your email address. When you created a log in for the Do Something site you were sent an email. In that email there is a link to verify your email address. Check your junk mail. If you can't find the email or are still having trouble please submit a help ticket with our tech department. John, will get back to you pronto!

Q. How do I go back and edit my application?

A. You can edit your application by logging into www.dosomething.org, going to MY ACCOUNT (On the top right side of the site, right above the "Sign Up" box. Your Do Something Grants application will be listed under "Grants I've Applied For."

Q. What happens if my computer crashes while I am working on the application?

A. Yikes!! Computer crashes happen to everyone. To protect your application from being lost, make sure to FIRST write your essays in Word and then copy/paste them into the online application. Also, as you work on your application, periodically hit "Submit" to save your changes. We have no ability to access your application if your computer crashes before you hit submit, so please help us help you by making sure you have back up copies of your essays.

Q. How do I find out if I won?

A. The Disaster Grant and Do Something Grant applications are accepted on a "rolling basis" which means that there is no application deadline. You will be notified whether or not you have won a grant within 2-3 months of submitting your application. It's annoying to wait, we know, but we have to read through a lot of applications! Winning applicants will be notified by phone. Non-winning applicants will be notified by email two to three months after submission.

Q. So what happens if I don’t win?

A. Non-winning applicants will be notified by email 2-3 months after submission. We encourage you to take another look at your application and re-apply. It might be that we had so many great applications that month we just couldn’t fit you in. Or it might be that your application has room for improvement: maybe it needs more clarity on how your project measures change, or maybe you need to explain what makes your project unique. Take a look at other projects that we’ve funded to see what we’re looking for. And, if you still are having problems with your grant applications, email grants@dosomething.org for one-on-one advice on how to improve your application.

Having other technical issues? CLICK HERE Have non-technical questions? Email aashton@DoSomething.org GOOD LUCK!