CYD is typically practiced in small, community-based organizations that were founded from the passion to engage and inspire young people through deep arts-based experiences and positive relationships with adult artist mentors. Because of this, CYD organizations have strong and thriving programs, but often need support in strengthening and optimizing their administrative and operational practices.

Organizations need strong operations, finances, fundraising, communications, governance, evaluations, and organizational strategy in order to thrive and successfully achieve their mission. We invest in the creation and adoption of processes, infrastructure, and operational efficiencies that support Creative Youth Development organizations. We provide both grants and teams of experts to work one-on-one with CYD leaders and their teams to ensure that our capacity building support is responsive to the needs, culture, and goals of our individual partners.

We also know that organizational systems don’t run themselves. So, we provide ongoing financial and programmatic support for people working in CYD to receive training and coaching on these systems, and for relearning habits and behaviors that foster healthy and sustainable cultures at CYD organizations and throughout the field.