When applying for Conference Youth Service Fund grants, the following items should receive careful consideration. It is these areas that the Project Review Committee examines most thoroughly. The more specific and clear you are, the better.

         1.   The purpose and process of your project should be stated clearly. The committee needs to be able to know how your project will work.

         2.   Your project must be youth-related (12 - 18 years of age).

         3.   YSF money is to be used to develop new projects that will become self-supporting. There is no guarantee of funding after one year. No project will be funded for more than three consecutive years. Funding for consecutive years will decrease from that of the previous year.

         4.  YSF grants should have a substantial effect on the project.

         5.  YSF grants will not be used to fund a project's deficit.

         6.  YSF money should be used primarily for program, secondarily for administration or salary.

         7.  Submitting a specific budget is essential. This must include funding sources, established or in process, and the  project's and applicant's history of receiving YSF funding.

         8.  Letters of support are helpful and welcomed.

         9.  Projects should be inclusive wherever possible.

      10.   Preference will be given to United Methodist projects within the conference boundaries. A minimum of 50% of our conference share will be used for projects within the bounds of the West Virginia Annual Conference. Other conference's United Methodist projects will be considered next. Projects of other churches and interfaith endeavors will be considered next. Non-church related projects will be considered next.

      11.   Use the form provided and be clear and concise.

      12.   Applications will be accepted at any time, please allow time for the review committee to make its determination.

The form can be faxed or e-mailed upon request.
For additional information and an application call 1-800-788-3746.