Fundraising is a common way for Builders Clubs to help finance their service projects. But don’t forget another funding opportunity: grants. In your community, state or country, grants might be available for youth service, youth leadership or specific causes. Contact community foundations, family foundations and government offices that may have funds for youth service or youth leadership. And search the internet for causes. You may find funding sources for issues like the environment, hunger, literacy or justice.
Partnering with your sponsoring Kiwanis club on a project is a great way to increase your impact. Talk to Kiwanis members about the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, which offers grant opportunities to Kiwanis clubs and districts. (The Children’s Fund does not award grants directly to Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs such as K-Kids. The Kiwanis club must apply for the grant and would be the entity to receive approved funds.) A Guide to Club Grants provides details about the Club Grant Program. To be considered for funding, a Kiwanis club must submit a Letter of Inquiry — and then, if approved, a full application. Letters are accepted by November 1 and April 1 of each year, with funding decisions on March 1 and August 1. Microgrants for US$250- 1000 are also available for Kiwanis clubs with 35 or fewer members — and this year’s application period opened October 1!
Check out YSA opportunities
One source for grant funding for Builders Clubs across North America or internationally is Youth Service America (YSA), which works with partners to offer two potential opportunities for K-Kids clubs: Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes grants of US$250 or US$500 are available for projects carried out for Youth Service Month (late April through late May) and for Global Youth Service Day (April 24-26, 2026).
YSA also offers Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation grants of US$250 or US$500 for youth-led Global Youth Service Day projects that focus on ending childhood hunger in the United States.
Put these YSA grant opportunities on your calendar — with a note to check the organization’s website in early 2026 when grant applications open.