The Spark Grant
The Spark Grant is a maximum $250 project grant available to individuals under 21 in Sullivan County, New York with the goal of supporting bright ideas that would foster a greater sense of community in the area. Projects can support any element of the community in any way, as long as they are youth-led. Selected projects will receive funding up front to cover project costs. To be eligible for a Spark Grant, all projects must have a complete grant application by the application deadline and an adult mentor who the project leader will occasionally meet with to give progress updates and seek advice. Following the completion of a project, the project leader must submit a summary to the Grace Johansen Foundation of how the project went, and should include photos of the completed project.
The 2025 Spark Grant Application is open. Applications are due on Friday, December 19th at 11:59pm. Once you submit an application, you won’t be able to edit it. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see example responses for the application questions.
Directions: Please fill out the application with as much detail as possible. You’ll need to select an adult mentor (please avoid selecting one of your parents, but this person could be a teacher, a neighbor, a community leader, a local expert on a topic related to your project, etc.) who you will give periodic updates to as your project progresses and who can serve as a resource to you as questions and challenges arise over the course of your project.
Spark Grant Application
Application Response Examples
8. In a few paragraphs, describe your project idea. The more details and specifics, the better!
Example:
My project idea is to create a large, vibrant mural on the east-facing exterior wall of the Livingston Manor Library. This mural will serve as a welcoming and colorful piece of public art, celebrating the rich history and diverse community of our town. After already discussing the project with the library director, we agreed that the east wall, which faces Main Street, is the ideal location. It is highly visible to both pedestrians and drivers, making it the perfect spot to create a lasting impact.
The mural’s design will reflect key elements of Livingston Manor’s heritage, including images of the Willowemoc Creek, the Catskill Mountains, and historical references to the town’s logging and fly-fishing industries. I envision a mural that tells a visual story of our community’s past, present, and future, making the library not only a place of learning but also a canvas that showcases our town’s unique identity.
By partnering with the library and involving the community in the creative process, this mural will do more than just beautify the building. It will become a source of pride for the town, bringing people together and creating a vibrant, shared space that everyone can enjoy.
9. Who in your community will this project impact if it is completed? (Remember, your “community” can be your school, town, neighborhood, club, church, etc.)
Example:
This project will impact the following groups within the Livingston Manor community:
- Future generations in the community
- Patrons of the Livingston Manor Library
- Staff of the Livingston Manor Library
- Local teenagers and young adults
- Residents of Livingston Manor
- Local businesses
- Visitors to the area
10. In what way(s) will this project impact those people?
This project will impact these groups in the following ways:
- Patrons of the Livingston Manor Library: The mural will create a more welcoming and vibrant environment, enhancing their experience when visiting the library.
- Staff of the Livingston Manor Library: The beautification of their workplace will boost morale and pride in their workplace.
- Residents of Livingston Manor: The mural will become a source of pride, enhancing community identity and creating a shared point of connection.
- Local businesses: An attractive mural may draw more visitors to the area, potentially increasing foot traffic and benefiting local businesses.
- Visitors to the area: The mural will serve as a visually appealing landmark, enriching their experience of the town and potentially encouraging them to explore more of what Livingston Manor has to offer.
- Future generations in the community: The mural will stand as a lasting piece of art that reflects the town’s history and values, inspiring future residents and maintaining a sense of community pride for years to come.
11. What are some roadblocks that you might encounter during this project, and how might you overcome them?
Example:
- Weather: Good weather is needed to paint the mural, so I will take the weather forecast into consideration when selecting days for painting and have several other possible days to fall back on.
- Mural height: The mural will be very big and the top of the mural will be hard to reach, so I will inquire ahead of time if the library has a ladder I may use for painting.
- Transportation: I will need a ride to the library on painting days to transport all the supplies. This might be challenging with my parents’ schedule, so I will take into account their work schedule or find someone else to give me a ride when planning the painting days.
12. Will you need any special permissions or approvals to complete your project (e.g., from property owners, local authorities)? If so, how will you obtain them? If special permissions are needed to complete the project, the Foundation may contact you to ask that you get the required permissions before you receive the grant money.
Example:
I will need permission from the library director and the library board of trustees to paint a mural on the wall of their building. I have already been in touch with the library director via email about my idea for the project and she is supportive of it. If my project is selected for a grant, I will present my idea to the library board and get their final permission to move forward with the project.
13. What is the timeline of your project? (You can describe this in terms of a few project milestones and when approximately you plan on completing each one.)
Example:
- Milestone 1 (End of December): Create an initial mural design.
- Milestone 2 (Middle of February): Finalize the mural design by incorporating feedback from the library. Make a list of necessary materials.
- Milestone 3 (Middle of April): Assemble the materials and select a day to paint the mural.
- Milestone 4 (End of May): Paint the mural.
- Milestone 5 (Early June): Reveal the mural to the community.
14. Create a budget for your project. If your project is selected, the Grace Johansen Foundation will write you a check to cover your expected costs up to $250. Your budget can be over $250, but the Foundation’s maximum contribution will be $250. Before you submit your application, we strongly suggest you discuss your proposed budget with your chosen mentor and ask them for their thoughts and suggestions on it to help you develop the most comprehensive and realistic budget possible.
Example:
- Exterior-grade paint (various colors): $120
- Paintbrushes and rollers: $40
- Drop cloths and painter’s tape: $20
- Surface primer: $30
- Clear protective sealant: $30
- Miscellaneous supplies (e.g., cleaning supplies, disposable gloves): $10
Total: $250
Caption: Livingston Manor 7th grader and 2024 Spark Grant recipient Connor Casey collaborates with custodial staff to build a storage shed for his plastic bag recycling project.
If you have any questions about the Spark Grant and/or the application, please email us: gracejohansenfoundation@gmail.com
Grace Johansen Foundation 