Young Futures

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Oops!...AI Did It Again: Applicant Info Session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Join us to learn how to apply, understand eligibility, and hear answers to common questions. We’ll also cover the Young Futures Academy and hold an open Q&A—submit your questions below.

Ready to reimagine how young people connect, learn, & grow in the age of AI?

Applications Open: Oct 8 - Oct 24
🗓️ Info Session: Oct 15 (bit.ly/OOPSInfoSess...)

Find eligibility info & apply now: www.youngfutures.org/funding-chal...

Let's build a better digital future—together!

We're looking to back ~10 Young Futures Innovators! Alongside funding, grant recipients will join the 5-month YF Academy to level up their org, which includes leadership coaching, fundraising strategies, media support, and more!

#YoungFutures #NonprofitFunding #OopsAIDidItAgain

Why AI Agency?

Teens need to understand, question, shape, & even build AI systems that reflect their values. It's more than literacy; it's about being an active participant, not a passive consumer.

That's why we're seeking solutions led or co-designed by young people!

DocSend - Simple, intelligent, modern content sending DocSend helps you communicate more effectively by telling you what happens to content after you send them and letting you keep control in real time.

We're looking for innovative solutions across 4 key themes rooted in AI Agency:

Youth-Powered AI

AI in Learning, Work, & Creativity

AI in Relationships & Mental Health

Intergenerational Guidance

Learn more about these themes: docsend.com/view/m697ccc...

Teens are using Generative AI for school, creativity, & even emotional support—but often without the guidance they need. Our Youth Listening Tour confirmed the stakes are high: from misinformation to mental health risks.

We can't repeat the mistakes of social media's rise. #GenAI

🚨 New Funding Challenge Alert! 🚨

Introducing "Oops!...AI Did It Again"!

We're funding bold solutions that give young people AI Agency—the power to navigate AI safely, critically, & with control.

www.youngfutures.org/funding-chal...

#AIagency #YoungFutures #OopsAIDidItAgain #YF500

Young Futures Making the digital world an easier place to grow up

Congrats to our partners, @youngfutures.bsky.social, who just launched the YF500: a first-of-its-kind $50M philanthropic index fund to support 500 nonprofit leaders building a better digital world for 40 million young people.
Learn more: www.youngfutures.org
#YF500 #YouthWellbeing

Announcing the YF500: Building a National Infrastructure for Youth Wellbeing A Turning Point Today marks an inflection point for Young Futures, and a call to do more to support young people growing up in a tech-driven world. Over the past three years, we’ve launched four natio...

Thriving youth need a new national infrastructure.

The YF500 is a first-of-its-kind $50M philanthropic index fund to support 500 community leaders building a healthier, more connected future for teens.

Learn more!

www.linkedin.com/pulse/announ...

#YouthWellbeing #YF500

We can keep chasing isolated wins, or we can build the system that turns wins into norms. The YF500 is that system. It’s the infrastructure for thriving. Join us. Learn more and support the movement: www.linkedin.com/pulse/announ...

#YF500 #YoungFutures

By 2030, the YF500 will help us reach 50% of our 10-year goal: to help 40 million young people build balanced, healthy lives and ensure 20 million families are resourced and ready to help their teens thrive.

That's why our very next step is launching "Oops!...AI Did It Again," our 5th national funding challenge on Oct 8.

We'll fund nonprofits helping young people navigate AI with confidence in learning, work, relationships, and mental health.

#YouthAndAI #StayTuned

Why is this so urgent now? We're in a historic youth mental health crisis. Technology creates "digital tension," and with the rapid rise of AI, the stakes have never been higher. Teens are turning to AI for advice, often without trusted guides.

The YF500 is the backbone that helps good ideas adapt, scale, and last. We're building an ecosystem, not just funding isolated programs.

This isn't a solo mission. We're grateful for foundational funding from Pivotal Ventures, Susan Crown Exchange, Blank Foundation, The Goodness Web, Resonance Philanthropies, and Enlight Foundation, and challenge funding from Pinterest, Bezos Family Foundation, Niantic Spatial, Hopelab, and Omidyar.

In comes the YF500: a five-year, $50 million commitment to fund, connect, and amplify 500 nonprofit leaders across the US working at the critical intersection of youth, technology, and mental health.

The US builds infrastructure for what it values. Roads to move. A grid for power. But what about infrastructure for our young people? We need trusted adults & community programs that help them navigate a world filled with tech—spaces for belonging, connection, and agency. #YF500

A turning point for youth is here. Today, at the Clinton Global Initiative, we're announcing the YF500: a first-of-its-kind philanthropic index fund to build a national infrastructure for youth wellbeing in a tech-driven world!

#YF500 #YouthWellbeing

Gen Z & Misinformation: Why We Keep Falling for It (and How to Fight Back) The truth has never been more important—or harder to find. Misinformation isn’t new, but the way it spreads and the way we engage with it has changed dramatically in the age of social media.

Gen Z has the power to fight back.

With digital literacy, critical thinking, and better habits, we can help Gen Alpha become the most misinformation-savvy generation yet.

The truth matters. Let’s protect it.

Read the full piece: www.linkedin.com/pulse/gen-z-...

By: @brookemessaye.bsky.social

Parents and caregivers, you can help too! How you may ask?

🗣 Discuss viral fake news & fact-check together.

🔍 Teach healthy skepticism—not cynicism.

📱 Show the kids in your life how to verify info (reverse image search, etc.).

📊 Diversify their media diets (reliable news + independent voices).

How can we as Gen Z fight this misinformation?

✅ Pause before sharing—use Snopes/Google Fact Check.

✅ Follow multiple news sources (not just your fave creator).

✅ Talk to friends who share fake news with curiosity, not judgment.

✅ Ask: Is this verified? Emotional? From a trusted source?

So why does Gen Z fall for fake news?

1️⃣ Algorithmic bubbles – We get trapped in echo chambers that reinforce biases.

2️⃣ Emotional content – Outrage = engagement. Fear/anger makes us share before thinking.

3️⃣ Trust in influencers – Many prefer TikTokers over journalists, even if they’re unqualified.

Not all Gen Z is the same:

Older Gen Z (Zillennials): Grew up on Tumblr/Twitter and are typically skeptical of mainstream media but prone to conspiracy theories & deepfakes.

Younger Gen Z: Raised on TikTok. Trust influencers over news outlets, struggle to spot fake news from creators they follow.

Gen Z & Misinformation: Why We Keep Falling for It (and How to Fight Back) The truth has never been more important—or harder to find. Misinformation isn’t new, but the way it spreads and the way we engage with it has changed dramatically in the age of social media.

Despite being digital natives, Gen Z is seemingly more susceptible to fake news than older generations.

Why?

Algorithmic bubbles, emotional content, and trust in influencers over experts.

Check out @brookemessaye.bsky.social's article to learn more!

www.linkedin.com/pulse/gen-z-...

We're blown away by your #HereComesTheFun submissions! 🎮✨

From game-changing apps to digital experiences that redefine digital play, your creativity inspired us.

A huge thanks to everyone who applied and to our amazing partners at the @cooneycenter.bsky.social & @niantic-labs.bsky.social!

We are in the FINAL HOURS to apply for #HereComesTheFun! ⏰

We're funding nonprofits that:
🎮 Turn digital play into WELLBEING
💡 Co-build WITH teens
✨ Use games/apps to fight loneliness & stress
... and so much MORE!

DEADLINE ⏳ : TODAY (05/09) 5PM PT

Apply NOW: www.youngfutures.org/funding-chal...

⏰ TIME’S ALMOST UP! The #HereComesTheFun Challenge closes TOMORROW at 5 PM PT.

💰 $1M+ available for up to 10 grants for orgs using digital play (games, apps, VR) to boost teen wellbeing.

🔗 Apply NOW: www.youngfutures.org/funding-chal...

#HereComesTheFun #FundingOpportunity #DigitalPlay

Welcome! You are invited to join the Here Comes The Fun Applicant Info Session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Join us to learn more about the Here Comes The Fun Challenge, including what we’re looking for, how to apply, and tips for a strong application.

TODAY’S THE DAY! Don’t miss our #HereComesTheFun Info Session!

⏰ Starts at 3PM ET

💬 Get insider tips, live Q&A, and everything you need to submit a standout application.

🔗 Join now: bit.ly/HCTFInfoSession

#FundingOpportunity #Grants #ApplyNow #Nonprofit #SocialImpact

Join our #HereComesTheFun Applicant Info Session! 🎮✨

📅 May 1 | ⏰ 3PM ET

Get application tips, live Q&A & all the deets to craft a great proposal!💡

🔗 Register at bit.ly/HCTFInfoSession to save your spot!

#GrantOpportunity #Funding #ApplyNow

Got a digital play solution that boosts teen wellbeing?

Apply by May 9: www.youngfutures.org/funding-chal...

#HereComesTheFun #GrantOpportunity

The right digital play = wellbeing boost. 💡

Research shows it enhances safety, autonomy, creativity, and emotional regulation. We need more intentional design to maximize benefits. #RITECFramework