Snow-Redfern Foundation Announces 2026 Partnership Project Awardees

The Snow-Redfern Foundation is excited to announce the recipients of the 2026 Partnership Project grants, a cohort-based learning and funding opportunity designed to help organizations strengthen youth voice, meaningful engagement, and participatory practices within their work and communities.

Each selected organization will receive a $10,000 grant along with participation in a year-long virtual learning lab facilitated by Dr. Maya Chilese of Blue Agate Collaborative, LLC. Through guided conversations, reflection, peer learning, and practical application, participating organizations will explore ways to more intentionally share power with young people and communities most impacted by their work.

The Partnership Project was created to support organizations that are actively exploring what it means to move beyond traditional engagement and toward more participatory approaches rooted in trust, collaboration, and community wisdom. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, the experience is designed as a learning journey where organizations can reflect on their current practices, deepen relationships with youth and community members, and identify meaningful next steps for their own unique context.

Over the course of the learning lab, participating organizations will engage in conversations around topics such as:

• Youth voice and shared decision-making
• Building trust through transparency
• Participatory leadership and governance
• Community-centered engagement
• Organizational reflection and systems change
• Moving from consultation toward authentic partnership

The Foundation believes that the people most impacted by systems and services should have a meaningful role in shaping them. The Partnership Project creates space for organizations to learn alongside one another while experimenting with practices that elevate lived experience, strengthen belonging, and center collaborative learning.

The Snow-Redfern Foundation is honored to announce the following 2026 Partnership Project recipients:

• Civic Nebraska
• The HUB
• Banisters Leadership Academy
• York County Health Coalition
• Hamilton County Youth Center
• Bridge Family Resource Center

“We know this work takes courage, reflection, and a willingness to learn differently,” said Sara Wilcox. “These organizations are stepping into a process that centers listening, relationship-building, and shared leadership with young people and communities. We are excited to learn alongside them throughout this journey.”

The 2026 Partnership Project cohort will begin gathering this summer, with virtual sessions continuing through spring 2027.

To learn more about the Partnership Project and the Snow-Redfern Foundation’s commitment to participatory practices and youth voice, visit Snow-Redfern Foundation.