Your child could receive a Kindness Grows Here grant: Here’s how

Photo above showing Aaban Mahmood donating books at McKee Elementary courtesy of Hera Nafees.

Students all over the Pittsburgh area are busy using design thinking to plan, build and share kindness initiatives, maker projects and art installations as part of the #bethekindkid Kindness in Action campaign. As we look forward to seeing some of these projects in November when they’re unveiled during events at the Children’s Museum and the Jewish Community Center, we wanted to bring you details on another way Pittsburgh kids have been making the world a kinder place.

Here’s the scoop on Kindness Grows Here:

This grassroots nonprofit was launched to help build a culture of compassion and kindness in children. Since the program began in 2018, Kid Kindness Grants have helped kids ages 5 through 18 plan and execute projects promoting kindness and inclusivity. These have included community gardens, anti-bullying campaigns, teacher appreciation initiatives and more.

Two years ago, West Allegheny elementary schooler Aaban Mahmood applied for a Kindness Grows Here grant, which he used to buy books for his school’s library that teach about and celebrate diverse cultures. (Read about Aaban’s grant here, and click here to read about his very first kindness project.)

Aaban’s grant inspired a group of other students from West Allegheny to apply for their own grant, which they won last year.

Do you know a Pittsburgh-region child who would want to apply for a grant this year? Applications are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 1.

Kindness Grows Here “welcomes young changemakers to submit their proposals for projects that reflect their unique aspirations. The selection process involves a careful evaluation by a panel of volunteers who are deeply committed to funding as many child-driven projects as funds allow,” says the program’s founder and president, Kristen Caminiti.

To apply, kids need to complete a simple application describing what they want to do, why they want to do it, who their project will impact, how much money they need and exactly how they will spend that money. Click here to get all the details and submit an application.

“We are thrilled to offer this program for a sixth year,” Caminiti says. “Witnessing the passion, creativity, and dedication that young individuals pour into these projects is a constant reminder that kindness and the ability to make change knows no age. We’re sowing the seeds of compassion that will undoubtedly blossom into a kinder, gentler world.”