Introduction:
At the Austin Chinese-American Network (ACAN), our mission is clear: to serve our community and foster our heritage. We are dedicated to supporting our youth and encouraging them to actively participate in or initiate projects that align with our mission. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the various avenues available for ACAN Youth to get involved, start their own projects, and access funding support.
Exploring ACAN Youth Projects:
If you’re curious about the projects ACAN Youth are currently running, you can find detailed information on our website. Visit the ACAN Programs page at ACAN Programs to get insights into the exciting initiatives our youth are involved in.
Joining ACAN Activities and Events:
For those who wish to participate in ACAN activities and events, the best starting point is to become a member of our group on GivePulse. This platform is where we organize and promote our various events. Join the ACAN group on GivePulse to stay updated on upcoming activities.
Starting Your Own Project:
ACAN encourages its youth members to take the initiative and start their own projects to further our mission. To begin your project, the first step is to create a project proposal. You can access the ACAN Youth Project Proposal template here. This proposal will outline the details of your project and help us understand how it aligns with our mission.
Funding Support from ACAN:
As a non-profit organization, ACAN primarily relies on the generous donations of its members. We strongly encourage our youth leaders to seek their own funding opportunities and become self-sufficient. However, we do recognize that some projects may benefit from initial funding support. If you believe your project falls into this category and you would like to apply for ACAN funding, follow these steps:
a. Create a budget proposal that clearly lists the items you intend to purchase or facilities you need to rent, along with the appropriate justifications.
b. Email your budget proposal to youth@acantx.org for approval.
Once your budget is approved, you can proceed with executing your project. Remember to keep records of all your expenses, including receipts. You can request reimbursement by sending these receipts to ACAN finance at acan.billing@gmail.com and copy youth@acantx.org for approval.
Exploring External Funding Opportunities:
Beyond ACAN, we also encourage our youth leaders to explore external funding opportunities. For example, the Civic Leadership Academy offers a mini-grant each year, providing funding support of up to $500. You can learn more about this opportunity at CLA Mini-Grant.
Conclusion:
ACAN is committed to empowering its youth members to take an active role in serving the community and preserving our heritage. Whether you’re interested in joining existing projects, starting your own, or seeking funding support, we’re here to support your journey. Your contributions play a vital role in advancing our mission, and we look forward to seeing your impactful projects come to life. For inquiries or further information, please feel free to contact us at youth@acantx.org.