In remembrance of the lives lost and the countless acts of heroism on September 11, 2001, YSA (Youth Service America) invites youth and community groups across the U.S. to take part in the 2025 9/11 Day of Service. This nationwide call to action transforms the memory of a tragic day into a force for good, uniting people of all ages through service, healing, and community resilience.
About the “We Serve to Remember” Grant Program
Funded by a federal grant from AmeriCorps, YSA’s We Serve to Remember grant program supports youth-led service projects that take place on or around September 11, 2025. These projects aim to honor the victims, their families, and all who rose to serve in the aftermath of 9/11—first responders, military members, and everyday citizens who demonstrated selfless courage and compassion.
In 2025, YSA will award up to 60 grants of $1,000 each to schools, youth organizations, and young changemakers (ages 5–25). An additional 40 grants will be distributed through YSA’s partners, including:
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Boys and Girls Clubs of America
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Arizona Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism
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Michigan Community Service Commission
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New Jersey Governor’s Office of Volunteerism
(More information on applying through these partners will be shared soon.)
What YSA Is Looking For
To be eligible for a grant, proposed projects must meet the following criteria:
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Youth-Led: Projects must be led by young people between the ages of 5 and 25.
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Tribute-Oriented: Activities should honor those lost on 9/11, their families, and those who responded with service.
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Scheduled for September: Projects must take place on or around September 11, 2025.
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Inclusive Engagement: Organizers must actively recruit youth volunteers who are not typically asked to serve, helping ensure a broad and inclusive impact.
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U.S.-Based: Applicants must reside in the United States or its territories (including Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and others).
Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth volunteers and provide documentation of participation through sign-in sheets, pre-and-post surveys, or official attendance/volunteer tracking systems.
Please note that federally funded activities cannot include partisan political work, lobbying, voter registration, or any programming that violates federal restrictions or executive orders.
Application Deadline
Apply by Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM (your local time).
How to Get Involved
Whether you are a student, educator, youth group leader, or community organizer, this is your opportunity to transform remembrance into action. From creating care packages and planting memorial gardens to organizing food drives or mentoring younger students, your project can uplift your community while keeping the spirit of unity and service alive.
Not sure where to start? YSA offers 11 reflections and related service-learning ideas to help young leaders plan projects that are meaningful, relevant, and impactful.
Questions?
If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, check out the FAQ or contact grant administrator Scott Ganske via the YSA website.
By transforming the National Day of Remembrance into a Day of Service, YSA and its youth changemakers uphold the promise to “Never Forget.” Let’s build a legacy of compassion, leadership, and action.
For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.