Purpose of this Public Funding Playbook

This Public Funding Playbook offers practical guidance that youth organizations can use to leverage public funding streams to support youth organizing priorities in California. The research that informed this playbook examined the opportunities, challenges, efforts, and necessary infrastructure for youth organizing groups to access public funding streams in the state, specifically around youth mental health and wellbeing, education, youth development, and justice realignment. 

The information presented here is intended to help youth organizations understand the assets they have and what else they might need to support their pursuit of public funding. In addition to the Playbook, editable worksheets are available to help organizations think about their assets, needs, and next steps in areas that are crucial for pursuing public funds. See the bottom of this page for links to more resources.

Who is this Playbook for?

This playbook is primarily written for small, growing youth organizing organizations who are interested in pursuing public funding opportunities but may not know where to start or what to expect. However, it is our belief that all youth organizing organizations, regardless of size or experience, may have something to learn from the stories, lessons, and recommendations presented here. Additionally, our hope is that this playbook is accessible to all members within the organizations using it. While organizational leaders are ultimately responsible for the financial decisions that happen within an organization, youth organizers are encouraged to read this playbook and support their organizations in the discussions and next steps that may come from engaging with these ideas.

How did this Playbook come to be?

Reflections from youth organizations gathered through a series of conversations form the backbone of this playbook, giving real life insight and guidance to youth organizations that are exploring the possibility of accessing public funding. In collaboration with our consulting partner, Learning for Action (LFA), the project was designed to conduct research and share lessons learned from youth organizing efforts to access public funding streams. The research process and final product were informed by an advisory committee, composed of leaders at youth organizing organizations, including Katie Moua from Hmong Innovating Politics, Desire Johnson-Forte from the BIZ Stoop, Danielle Frank from Ríos to Rivers, Lana Tilley from RYSE, and Ruby Rivera from InnerCity Struggle.

The playbook is an outgrowth of a proposal developed by a working group of the California Youth Organizing Funders Collaborative. This working group, coordinated by Youth Organize! California, with representatives from The California Endowment, Packard Foundation, Stuart Foundation, Weingart Foundation, and Zellerbach Family Foundation, was formed to hone in on key opportunities for philanthropy to increase resources and support for the field of youth organizing. Public funding was identified as an area where resources meant for public good are underutilized by youth organizers, mainly due to the many obstacles smaller organizations face when trying to access these funds. This playbook was made possible by funding from The Stuart Foundation, The California Endowment, The Weingart Foundation, and the Funders Collaborative on Youth Organizing.