Development awards for talented students in music, athletics, and academics
Acts of Kindness FoundationFoundation-administered program
Youth Talent & Development Awards
Apply on behalf of your child — or donate to fund lessons, leagues, camps, and development awards.
Program status
This program includes a Foundation-approved giving path so supporters can review status and contribute without extra steps.
Acts of Kindness FoundationFoundation-administered program
Acts of Kindness FoundationSpecialized programSpecialized program
Youth Talent & Development Awards
Apply on behalf of your child — or donate to fund lessons, leagues, camps, and development awards.
Program statusThis program includes a Foundation-approved public giving path for supporters who want to help.
Talent deserves opportunity — not obstacles.
Music, dance, acting, and performing-arts lessons paid to studios or schools
Parent or guardian application with story and optional performance media
Watch · About one minute
Watch · Youth Talent in action
Music · sports · academics · nationwide development awards
The Youth Talent & Development Awards program helps families connect talented young people with development opportunities in music, athletics, and academics. Parents share their child's story through a simple application. Supporters give through the dedicated Youth Talent grants fund. The Foundation administers support with full discretion and transparent reporting.
About this program
An ongoing awards program under Education & Youth Access for students with promise in academics, athletics, or music. Applications are submitted by parents or legal guardians. Selection uses published merit and need criteria. Payments go to approved providers — not as cash to families.
Our approach
How this program delivers
Talented students nationwide deserve access to lessons, leagues, camps, and enrichment — not just applause.
Parents and guardians apply on behalf of their children. An independent selection committee reviews applications using published criteria.
Awards are paid directly to schools, leagues, studios, and vendors. Donors support the program fund — they do not choose individual recipients.
Who this program serves
- Students with talent in music, athletics, or academics facing access or financial barriers
- Families across the United States seeking development opportunities for talented children
- Young musicians, athletes, and scholars who need lessons, leagues, camps, or enrichment fees
What support looks like
- Music, dance, acting, and performing-arts lessons paid to studios or schools
- Athletic leagues, martial arts, camps, and training paid to organizations or vendors
- Academic enrichment, tutoring, and specialized programs paid to approved providers
- Other development opportunities described in the parent application and verified by the Foundation
How we verify need
- Parent or guardian application with story and optional performance media
- Independent selection committee review
- Vendor or institution payment verification
- Foundation compliance and outcome tracking
How funds are delivered
Acts of Kindness Foundation administers all awards with full discretion. Submitting an application does not guarantee an award. Donors do not select recipients. Apply at /youth-talent/apply.
Support this work
This program is supported with Foundation oversight
Review the program, the Foundation model, and the standards that guide how every contribution is administered with care and accountability.
Have questions?
What supporters ask
How do parents apply?
Visit aokindness.org/youth-talent/apply — a parent or legal guardian completes the form on behalf of the child.
Does applying guarantee an award?
No. This is a charitable program, not an entitlement.
Can donors choose recipients?
No. Donors support the Youth Talent & Development Awards fund; an independent selection committee chooses awardees.
Can parents request a specific program or vendor?
Yes. The application asks what opportunity you are seeking — for example Taekwondo, piano, acting, dance, or tutoring — plus the organization name and address so the Foundation can pay an approved provider directly if an award is granted.
How are awards paid?
Directly to the school, league, studio, or vendor you describe — after Foundation review and vendor verification — not as cash to families.
Program family Together with other work under Education & Youth Access.
Active in your community
Where this program is making a difference
Moreno Valley, CAMoreno Valley Education & Youth AccessSupplies, literacy, and learning support for Moreno Valley students.Learn more →
Riverside, CARiverside Education & Youth AccessSupplies, books, and learning support for students across Riverside Unified.Learn more →
Perris, CAPerris Education & Youth AccessLearning support for students across Val Verde Unified and Perris Union High School District.Learn more →
Initiatives under this program
Seasonal and specialized work
Seasonal initiativeBack-to-School BoostBackpacks, supplies, and confidence — so every student starts the school year ready to learn.Learn more →
Seasonal initiativeSummer Literacy & Youth SupportBooks, reading programs, and learning support to keep students growing through the summer months.Learn more →
Specialized programStudent Tuition Assistance FundOpening educational doors through verified tuition support — paid directly to institutions, never to individuals.Learn more →
Looking for help?
If you or someone you know is facing a need that Youth Talent & Development Awards addresses, our team can walk you through the intake process. Every request is reviewed with care.
Charitable disclosure
Acts of Kindness Foundation is a California public benefit foundation (nonprofit public benefit corporation). This program is administered as charitable assistance. Program and campaign descriptions communicate mission intent and public context, not donor-directed control over distributions. The Foundation retains full discretion over the use and distribution of funds, which may support charitable assistance, program delivery, verification, reporting, and related operations.
Acts of Kindness Foundation administers all awards with full discretion. Submitting an application does not guarantee an award. Donors do not select recipients. Apply at /youth-talent/apply.
All gifts on this site are made to Acts of Kindness Foundation and remain subject to the Foundation's exclusive control and discretion.
Foundation-controlled support pathSecure program checkout
Enter your amount below, then Continue. Gifts are made to Acts of Kindness Foundation and may support work aligned with Youth Talent & Development Awards under Board-approved policies. Full donation layout · Give hub
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