Helping young people find their way forward
Young Futures is driving systemic change in America by empowering nonprofits and their solutions at scale to help young people thrive as they grow up in a tech-filled world.
In 2024, we set out to transform digital wellbeing by supporting a wide range of solutions—from school-based programs and educational tools to peer mentorship, community initiatives, and cutting-edge tech innovations.
This inaugural Young Futures Impact Report is our opportunity to share our progress with you, as well as our ambitious plans to scale our impact.
THE STATE OF TEENS
Young Futures is needed because it’s a digital wilderness out there
In the year since our launch, we’ve learned a lot about the state of pre-teens and teens in today’s tech-driven world. In short, it’s complicated.
47%
of young people report doing well
Surgo Health, 2024
50%
report feeling overwhelmed by stress
U.S. Surgeon General Advisory, 2024
40%
of all high school students reported feeling a persistent sadness or hopelessness
CDC, 2023
50%
of female high school students reported feeling a persistent sadness or hopelessness
CDC, 2023
95% of youth who feel cared for
are twice as likely to find meaning in their life and twice less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety
Surgo Health, 2024OUR IMPACT
In 2024, we built a robust pipeline of solutions
400
applications received across two funding challenges
330
unique organizations applicants
42
states represented
75%
of 2nd challenge applicants serve underrepresented communities
$43,792,826
in funding requests 🔥
While we delivered ~$2M, the opportunity for greater impact is clear
How we’re making the digital world an easier place to grow up
👇
In 2024
We funded solutions
Across two funding challenges in 2024, Young Futures has invested ~$2 million to help 20 nonprofits scale their impact and reach more teens.
When designing funding challenges we begin with high-need themes affecting young people. We prioritize teen perspectives to refine our approach by conducting Youth Listening tours and partnering with leading researchers, like Harvard’s Center for Digital Thriving and the Foundation for Social Connection.
We built an academy
âś… 88% of YFIs report having grown as a leader and feel celebrated for their unique strengths within the YF Academy community
âś… 75% of YFIs report having sharpened their ability to articulate the mission, impact, and goals improving how the communicate their organization's needs and values to funders
âś… 100% of YFIs would recommend YF Academy to a peer
âś… Follow-on funding? Oh yes: 40% of YFIs secured additional funding post-Academy, raking in over $1M
The Young Futures Academy (YF Academy) is a five-month accelerator program designed to help YF Innovators amplify their impact.
Through a structured curriculum focused on leadership, fundraising, storytelling, and subject-matter expertise, participants gain skills to strengthen their organizations and positively impact more youth. Most importantly, YF Innovators are networked together in a powerful community of fellow leaders.
We uplifted a community
YF Studio is our storytelling arm, which serves as a vital bridge, connecting innovative solutions with the teens and families who need them most.
By amplifying practical resources, groundbreaking voices, and actionable research insights, we ensure impactful ideas reach and empower those navigating the complexities of growing up in a tech-driven world. You can find and engage with our stories on LinkedIn, Substack, Instagram, and YouTube and Bluesky.
We created a studio
Addressing a major challenge like youth mental health requires a collaborative, community-driven approach, enter YF Community.
YF Community members show up—whether by boosting an Instagram post, offering mentorship, contributing funds, attending a Young Futures event, or simply learning more—to support teens and the nonprofit leaders dedicated to serving them.
What could solutions to help young people & their adult champions navigate the digital wilderness look like?
Meet the YF Innovators helping teens find social connection in a tech-driven world
YF InnovatorsLonely Hearts Club Cohort
Our inaugural cohort, awardees of the Lonely Hearts Club Challenge, includes a range of school-based, media, and community-based organizations focused on strengthening social connection and reducing loneliness among teens
7 of 10 Young Futures Innovators (YFIs) operate nationally
YFIs served 190,589 youth in 2024, a 6x growth in reach since joining us
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Dr. Niobe Way, agapi.teens
Connections Through Curiosity -
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Diana Turner, Be Loud
Supporting Students to Be Loud -
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Josh Thompson, Civics Unplugged
Driving Civic Connection and Engagement -
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Larissa May, #HalfTheStory
Stories That Heal -
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NyRee Clayton-Taylor, HHN2L
Where Hip Hop Meets Purpose -
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Luke Wall, Only7Seconds
Fostering Meaningful Connection in a Digital World
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Trisha Prabhu, ReThink Citizens
A Gentle Nudge to Prevent Cyberbullying -
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Lewis Bernstein, Sesame 3G
Promoting Intergenerational Connections -
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Domenico Ruggerio, We Are Family
Cultivating Community for LGBTQ+ Youth -
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Tony Weaver, Weird Enough Productions
Here to Help You Find Your Inner Weirdo
#FindYourWay with Young Futures
Driving change in 2025, we will launch three bold funding challenges addressing urgent needs—Phones in Schools, Digital Play & Gaming, and Youth Empowerment in the Age of AI.
And beyond that? Buckle up for YF500: A collaborative funding initiative to power 500 YF Innovators over the next 5 years—scaling impact and driving lasting systemic change for youth across America.
If you're a mission-aligned funder, let's talk: partnerships@youngfutures.org.
A big thank you to our founding funders
