Is your child ambitious and looking to effect change? Do you know of a youth group (e.g., after school program, community group, sports team, school club) that has big ideas but needs financial support? Bethpage wants to empower young individuals to come together and become more involved by linking their passions with the need of local communities.
Our new Difference Makers program is designed to invest in our children — 13 years old to 21 years old — who are looking to make a difference in their local communities, with grants ranging from $250 – $5,000.
These funds can be used for special projects like planting a community garden, painting a mural in a school or community space, and organizing a beach cleanup. Or, the money may be put toward starting a peer mentor program or anti-bullying campaign at a school. We welcome and encourage creativity in the application process. We will ask for a business plan that includes a project summary, budget, timeline, and the community impact it will provide.
We anticipate awarding 100 grants, and we look forward to seeing great results. Every project will be assigned a Bethpage Mentor to oversee and support in answering any questions. We can’t wait to see the proposals and help make our community an even better place to live!