The City of Chandler’ Connection & Impact Division offers YouthSpark Education Grants of up to $1,000 to support educational opportunities for youth ages 5–18.
YouthSpark supports programs that help young people learn, grow, and engage with new ideas, experiences, perspectives, skills, cultures, and life circumstances. Consistent with the Connection & Impact Division's mission to support a community and municipal organization that values the backgrounds of its members, creating a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive, funded projects should encourage learning, understanding, and meaningful engagement among youth.
Grants are available to schools, educators, nonprofit organizations, and community groups that are located in Chandler or primarily serve Chandler residents or students.
Applications are accepted July 1 through May 31. Applications will not be considered during June.
Event Location: The event or program must take place in Chandler. If the applicant organization is not located in Chandler, the applicant must demonstrate that the majority of participants served are Chandler youth.
Project Timeline: Projects funded through the YouthSpark Education Grant must take place within the applicable fiscal year. For Fiscal Year 2026/2027, funded activities must occur between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
Funding Frequency: Organizations may receive funding once per fiscal year for one project or program. Only one application may be submitted per project.
Educational Focus: Programs should provide meaningful educational opportunities that expose youth to new ideas, perspectives, experiences, cultures, skills, identities, abilities, life circumstances, or community issues.
Examples may include:
- Arts and creative expression
- Cultural learning and heritage education
- Leadership development
- Community engagement and service learning
- STEM and innovation
- Career exploration
- Mental health and wellness
- Disability awareness and accessibility
- Identity and personal growth
- Independent living and life skills
- Civic education
- Language and communication
Funding: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants should allow up to three months from the date of submission to receive a final funding decision and notification.
Organizations selected for funding will be contacted by the Connection & Impact Division to discuss the grant award, review any funding recommendations, complete the grant agreement process, and receive instructions regarding payment requirements and procedures prior to funds being distributed.
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Educational Impact: The extent to which the project provides meaningful learning opportunities and educational value for youth.
- Exposure & Learning Opportunities: The extent to which the project introduces youth to new ideas, experiences, perspectives, cultures, skills, identities, abilities, life circumstances, or community issues.
- Connection & Impact Mission Alignment: The extent to which the project supports opportunities for youth to learn, connect, contribute, and thrive in a community that values the backgrounds and experiences of its members.
- Budget Clarity: A clear, reasonable, and appropriate budget for the proposed project.
- Target Audience: The proposal should focus on serving K–12 students.
Chandler High School - ASU Herberger Day
Chandler High students attended ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at no cost. Students toured the fine arts department, took part in creative workshops and activities, and learned about pathways to pursue the arts in higher education.
Students left inspired and with valuable information about financial aid and other support resources that make higher education more accessible.
San Marcos Elementary - Fall Festival
This one-night event brought students, families, and community partners together to celebrate culture and connection.
The festival featured the grand opening of The Hive at San Marcos, a Diwali altar, Ballet Folklorico dancers, a Low Rider Club showcase, a pumpkin-decorating contest, and delicious food and drinks.