What We Do
SparkYouth supports emerging and impactful NYC youth development organizations that are poised for growth. Our cohort of 15 organizations works across neighborhoods, age groups, and issue areas to collectively meet the needs of our young people and strengthen the youth development field as a whole.
The Challenge
NYC is rich with opportunity. Unfortunately, that opportunity is not distributed equally, and too many young people lack access to programs and services that have the potential to transform their lives for the better.
In NYC
kids live below the poverty line
the national poverty rate
poverty threshold for a family of four
At the same time, the community-based organizations that show up every day to support our city’s young people lack the resources needed to become stronger, more resilient assets for their communities.
1/3
of nonprofits close their doors in the first five years
95%
of SparkYouth’s organizations are still thriving and positively impacting young people
Our Solution
SparkYouth directs resources where there is the greatest need and the greatest opportunity for impact.
Our unique model begins with a rigorous, hands-on approach to identifying organizations with visionary leaders and transformative youth development programs that are poised for growth.
We meet organizations where they are with trust, listening, and a deep commitment to their long-term success.
SparkYouth’s three pronged approach empowers organizations via:
Capital
Our funding model is driven by the knowledge that multi-year, unrestricted support is a critical success factor in organizational growth.
This type of support provides financial stability and predictability so leaders can plan for the future and focus more time on their missions.
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Capacity
Through our Cofactor Lab we provide responsive, tailored operational support to help organizations build their infrastructure.
We know the path to sustainability takes strategic investments in people, practices, and resources, so we provide the professional expertise every organization needs to grow.
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Community
Our unique cohort model brings together innovative nonprofit leaders to foster collaboration, resource sharing, and peer-to-peer learning.
We create a network of support that sustains and energizes leaders.
Learn more about our Cofactor Lab
Get Involved
Want to ignite opportunity?
Join us and give more young people opportunities to explore, dream, and thrive.
