Our Application Process:

Step 1 - Identify a Problem: To apply for a grant, each student must identify a problem within their community that they would like to improve.

Step 2 - Apply for a Grant: The next step in our student’s process is to submit an application. This application lets us know generally what a student’s community improvement project is, who they are, and how they plan on using the funds. You can complete this step by using the button below.

Step 3 - Complete Viability Exploration: The Viability Exploration is a meeting with the applicant, our Executive Director, and a few board members. During this meeting, the student more completely explains what their project is. This helps us more deeply understand the project and also the applicant themself. This step is in place because our Executive Director’s parents were asked one day, “If you could tell a college admissions counselor anything about your student what would it be?” Their response was “Jordan is so much more than what you can see on paper. Sit down with him and see who he really is.” Our goal is to see who each applicant really is.

Step 4 - Meet with Mentor: This is where you jump in! Before you meet with the applicant, you should have access to their application. If you are about to meet with your mentee and you do not yet have access to the application, please email jordan@leadersoftodayco.com. During this meeting, there are two major parts. First, you will get to meet with the applicant and learn about their project. Your mentee should have a project that is something that you have expertise in. Second, your mentee should have a budget that they have prepared. You are going to help your mentee refine their budget. After you meet with your mentee, we would like you to sit down with our Executive Director and/or a board member to give us your opinion on the applicant. If you truly do not think that this person should continue with Leaders of Today, please be honest.

Step 5 - Complete Final Budget: The student has one week after meeting with you to submit a final budget. This budget helps us get a real understanding of how much the applicant truly needs to complete their project. Not every applicant will receive a grant or have their project completely funded.

Step 6 - Grants Awarded: Our final step is to award the grants to our applicants. This is where the real work begins.