
Creative Spark Fund |
Project Description:
Number of awards: Up to 20 youth serving organizations
Funding : $5,000
Project Timeline: February 2025-June 2025
Overall eligibility: Applying groups must have at least 5 youth and 1 adult advisors who will work on the project. Register at the84.org/joinus
Expectations: The Creative Spark Fund will award $5,000 grants to youth serving organizations who are interested in completing a creative project related to The 84’s mission (i.e, addressing racism and discriminatory practices of the tobacco and vaping industries, uplifting youth voice, root cause factors that lead to tobacco and nicotine use, etc.)
The expectation is to submit at least 4 final works or 1 larger project. Examples of final works are four podcast episodes or one large art mural. There will be two check-ins with staff to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. The following key points are essential components of The 84 messaging and should be considered when submitting a proposal:
The expectation is to submit at least 4 final works or 1 larger project. Examples of final works are four podcast episodes or one large art mural. There will be two check-ins with staff to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. The following key points are essential components of The 84 messaging and should be considered when submitting a proposal:
- We are NOT a movement that places blame on the individual tobacco and vape user. For example, we reject statements like “youth that use tobacco products are bad” because we know that there are broader structural factors at play that contribute to tobacco use among young people.
- We ARE a movement of inclusion, which means including those who use tobacco and vapes. This is a movement for anyone who wants to stand up for the health and wellness of the people they care about.
- We do NOT focus on cessation or telling people how to quit. We focus on educating people on the history of colonization, racism, and capitalism that led to the rise and power of the tobacco and vaping industries.
- We are NOT an “anti-tobacco” or “anti-smoking” campaign. We ARE a youth tobacco prevention program. We are changemakers who care about making a difference in our community and fighting back against the commercial tobacco and vaping industries.
*There will be a priority focus on underserved communities, such as BIPOC youth, youth identifying as LGBTQ+, youth with disabilities, and youth who speak English as a second language.