One of the most anticipated events each year at Believe in Me is our Annual Grant Awards Ceremony in December. This online celebration serves as a meaningful close to the year, bringing together our community of supporters, grantees, and applicants to recognize the incredible work being done to uplift marginalized youth. It’s a time to honor the programs we’re supporting in the coming year, provide insight into our funding priorities, and share in the hope that we’re all working toward a brighter future.
Unlike many formal awards announcements, our Grant Awards Ceremony is designed to be a positive, uplifting event. We recognize that all applicants have poured their hearts into creating programs that make a difference, and we want this ceremony to be a reflection of our shared commitment to change. For those who receive funding, the ceremony is a moment of well-deserved celebration, while for those who were not selected, it’s a reminder that we value their work and that we’re here to support them in other ways.
The Journey to Selection: A Team Effort
At Believe in Me, our grants review process is extensive, reflecting our dedication to making thoughtful, impact-driven funding decisions. We receive hundreds of inquiries each year from nonprofits that share our vision of supporting marginalized youth. Each application represents a program with the potential to change lives, making our selection process both inspiring and challenging.
Our Grants Review Committee spends countless hours carefully reviewing every proposal. We look for alignment with our mission, feasibility, and the potential for sustainable impact on youth. Each proposal is thoroughly examined for these qualities, and we aim to make decisions that will bring the most value to the communities we serve. It’s a daunting task because we know that every applicant has the potential to do incredible things.
This journey to selection is an emotionally significant process for our team as well. Every application tells a story, and every organization has a unique vision for change. While only a select few programs receive funding each year, we are constantly reminded of the incredible resilience, creativity, and compassion within our applicant community.
The Ceremony: A Celebration of Impact
The Annual Grant Awards Ceremony is a virtual event that allows our entire community, from staff to applicants, to come together in a shared celebration. We know that not every applicant can receive funding, but this event isn’t about who was “in” or “out.” Instead, it’s a chance to honor the collective work being done to support marginalized youth and inspire hope for the future.
During the ceremony, we share the names and missions of the grant recipients for the coming year. We highlight the unique qualities of each funded program and provide an overview of how these initiatives will make a positive impact in the lives of young people. This moment is about recognizing the accomplishments of our grantees and the important work they do each day to make a difference.
Each funded program is given a spotlight during the ceremony, allowing them to share a bit about their mission and the work they do. This is our way of building community and shining a light on the often-underappreciated efforts of these organizations. By sharing their stories, we hope to create connections between nonprofits, encourage collaboration, and inspire others to continue pursuing their goals, regardless of funding outcomes.
For Applicants Who Weren’t Selected: An Invitation to Grow
One of the unique aspects of our awards process is that it is not a final “yes” or “no.” We know that receiving a denial can be discouraging, but it’s important to us that all applicants—both funded and unfunded—feel valued and supported. After the ceremony, every applicant receives a personalized email explaining the Grants Review Committee’s decision.
For those organizations who didn’t receive funding this time, we encourage them to reach out to us for feedback and guidance. We believe in fostering long-term relationships and supporting nonprofits in refining their proposals for future opportunities. By offering constructive feedback, we aim to strengthen their future applications, giving them a higher chance of success next year.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that a funding decision is not a judgment of an organization’s worth or potential. Rather, it’s a reflection of our commitment to making the most impactful choices with the resources available. Our team is always happy to spend time with applicants, answer questions, and offer insights into how they can improve their proposals. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of our mission and allows us to foster growth within our entire community.
A Community United by Shared Values
The Annual Grant Awards Ceremony is also an opportunity to reinforce our shared values. At Believe in Me, we are united by a common purpose: to create opportunities for marginalized youth to thrive. This mission goes beyond individual programs or funding cycles. It’s about fostering a culture of compassion, inclusivity, and resilience.
By gathering our community of grantees and applicants, we create a space to reflect on the larger vision we’re working toward. It’s a moment to remind ourselves that, regardless of the outcome, every organization here is part of the same movement, and we are all in this together.
We often share testimonials from past grantees and stories of impact that highlight the transformative power of these programs. Hearing directly from youth who have benefited from our partners’ work is a powerful reminder of the “why” behind our efforts. This focus on shared values helps us build connections, inspire new ideas, and strengthen the fabric of our community.
Inspiring Hope for the Future
Our Grant Awards Ceremony is not just about celebrating current achievements—it’s about looking toward the future with hope. Each year, we are inspired by the incredible initiatives we see, and we are filled with optimism for the future of the nonprofit sector and the youth they serve.
We hope that by showcasing the work of our grantees, we can inspire others to pursue their goals with renewed enthusiasm. Whether an applicant receives funding or not, they are an integral part of the journey to create a better future for marginalized youth. We believe that every organization has the potential to make a meaningful impact, and we’re committed to supporting them in their endeavors.
Closing Thoughts: Gratitude and Celebration
As we close the Grant Awards Ceremony each year, we are filled with gratitude—for our grantees, our applicants, our donors, and our team. It is truly an honor to be part of this journey and to work alongside so many dedicated organizations. We are grateful for the opportunity to support programs that make a real difference in the lives of young people and to celebrate the resilience, hope, and compassion that drives these organizations.
The Grant Awards Ceremony is a reflection of our values and our commitment to uplifting marginalized youth. We believe in the power of community, collaboration, and shared purpose. While funding decisions are never easy, we are constantly inspired by the incredible work being done by all of our applicants. We’re here to celebrate each step forward, every bit of progress, and the collective hope that unites us all.
As we look forward to the coming year, we are excited to see the impact our grantees will make. We remain dedicated to supporting all our applicants, providing guidance and encouragement, and helping each organization grow in its ability to serve youth. Together, we are building a brighter future—one grant, one program, and one young person at a time.
