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Las Vegas youth groups present dozens of small grant projects to YNAB board; recommendations due to City Council
Summary
Dozens of student-led projects — from school theater and reading drives to homelessness outreach and animal-welfare efforts — presented for Youth Neighborhood Association Partnership Program grants. The board will vote on funding recommendations and send them to Las Vegas City Council on Feb. 4, 2026.
Las Vegas — Dozens of student and youth groups from across Las Vegas presented their proposals Tuesday to the Youth Neighborhood Association Partnership Program (YNAB) Grant Review Board, pitching projects that range from school theater productions and garden restorations to outreach for people experiencing homelessness and animal-welfare initiatives.
The board, chaired by Ayanna Castro, heard short, five-minute presentations from groups representing elementary schools, high schools and community organizations. Tara Manor, administrative staff, said the board will compile funding recommendations and present them to Las Vegas City Council on Feb. 4, 2026; applicants will be notified of the board’s recommendations within three weeks.
Why it matters: YNAB grants are small, local awards that help youth groups buy materials, run events and partner with community organizations. Several presenters emphasized sustainability — saying materials and curricula will be reused in future years — and direct service to Las Vegas neighborhoods.
Notable projects and requests included: - Pack of Hope (Jump Squad Inc.): a youth-led outreach distributing hygiene and comfort kits to unhoused neighbors downtown; the group requested $2,000 and pledged volunteer hours and partnerships with local churches and businesses. - Kaye Carl Elementary Drama Club: a student-led theater program meant to expand arts access and connect to Nevada Reading Week; presenters said materials purchased could be used in subsequent years. - Books for Brave Kids (Somerset Skypoint): a book-drive and scheduled light show intended to collect books for pediatric wards at local hospitals; the presenters said fundraising and donated funds will cover part of the project and asked YNAB for $2,000 toward a $4,000 plan. - Pet City Protecting Stray Animals (Akipo Academy): students proposed building insulated, weather-resistant shelters and running an awareness campaign; they requested about $868 for materials but board members raised questions about site approvals and upkeep. - School gardens and health programs: Tar Academy requested $2,000 to restore a kindergarten garden; Hearts in Motion proposed dance education, hydration and journaling programs for elementary schools and SafeKey after-school sites.
Board process and follow-up: Board members asked each group about logistics, volunteer recruitment, partnerships and how results would be tracked. Several presenters cited prior awards or community partnerships; a few budgets included unclear or garbled amounts in the transcript (these are noted as "not specified" below when applicants' numbers were ambiguous). The board did not vote on funding allocations at the meeting and will take a formal vote at a later date.
What’s next: The YNAB board will finalize recommendations and present them to Las Vegas City Council on Feb. 4, 2026. Tara Manor will notify applicant groups about the board’s recommendations within three weeks of this meeting.
Speakers and attributions in this article are drawn from presentations and questions on the record during the YNAB Grant Review Board meeting.
