Aspirations Incubator 2026 Request for Proposals
The Rural Youth Institute is pleased to announce the release of two 2026 Aspirations Incubator Request for Proposals.
Planning Grant RFP– The Aspirations Incubator planning grant is designed to help communities assess their readiness to adopt an Aspirations Incubator long-term youth development and mentoring model that partners with local middle and high schools. Through this process grantees will form a planning team, conduct a community needs assessment, ensure organizational capacity and develop an Aspirations Incubator conceptual design. The total available funding for planning grants is $10,000.
Seed Grant RFP– The Aspirations Incubator (AI) Seed Funding Grant is designed to provide financial support to new organizations committed to implementing the six-year AI model. This grant will help organizations establish the program and ensure its successful launch. The total available funding for seed grants is $20,000.
The Aspirations Incubator is a transformative, evidence-based mentoring model designed to elevate aspirations and foster a strong sense of belonging among rural middle and high school students. Developed over six years in five rural Maine communities, this place-based model thrives through deep school–community partnerships and innovative mentoring practices. By engaging youth where they naturally are—at school, in the community, and in nature—the Aspirations Incubator creates authentic, lasting connections that empower the next generation. Learn more at www.aspirationsincubator.org.
Both grant processes will follow the timeline below:
RFP Release Date: December 1, 2025
Proposal Submission Deadline: January 12, 2026
Review Period: January 13 – January 26, 2026
Notification of Awards: January 30, 2026
Grant Period: February 1- October 1, 2026
All questions can be directed to Meg Taft at meg@ruralyouthinstitute.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
