The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) supports projects that help youth* with disabilities develop leadership and employment skills through their National Grant program. They award 6 – 12 grants each year, ranging from $10,000 – $100,000. Grants may also be for 1 – 3 year periods.
Applications are accepted July 15 – November 1. Funding decisions are made in March of the following year and money dispersed on April 1.
*MEAF defines youth in this context as individuals up to age 26.
Eligibility
Applicant
This grant is open to organizations in the United States who:
- Have a 501(c)3 tax designation
- Operate on a national scale OR
- Have a plan to replicate and share their project on a national scale
- Primarily work with young people with disabilities or disabled young veterans transitioning to post-service life
Project
Eligible projects must:
- Help disabled youth develop skills needed to gain employment OR
- Develop tools that lower barriers to allow employers to hire disabled youth
- Advance inclusive, competitive employment practices that put youth with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers
- Have a well developed plan to evaluate, replicate, and share their project
Excluded Activities
MEAF does not fund:
- Capital campaigns and building funds
- Projects focused only on research
- Political activities
- Religious activities
- Fundraising events
- Purchase of equipment or devices for individuals unless part of a larger project
Funding Strategies
At this time, MEAF is focused on the following strategies:
- Inclusive Education – Quality educational opportunities that prepare youth with disabilities for the workforce
- Increasing the Talent Pipeline – Focusing on unique abilities to prepare youth with disabilities for in-demand jobs
- Mentoring & Internships – Creating opportunities for youth with disabilities to participate in mentoring and internship programs
- School-Industry Partnership – Creating equitable opportunities for education and employment through partnerships
