Scholarship and Fundraising for NLC   Scholarships Available to You The American Youth Foudation offers multiple scholarship opportunities, which can be used to assist your family in meeting the cost of the NLC.  Please follow the links below to learn more about each of these opportunities available to you. "I Dare You!" Scholarship If you received the National Leadership Award through your local service organization, Kiwanas, 4-H or High School, then you are eligible to apply for the "I Dare You!" Scholarship. National Leadership Award recipients must complete the application process to be considered for the "I Dare You!" Scholarship to attend the National Leadership Conference.  Apply here for the "I Dare You!" Scholarship. Or you can download this printable application. Scholarship winners will be contacted by the AYF.     Danny Grad Scholarship In 1943, William H. Danforth created a program for young women who he felt were leaders but were without the opportunity to "test their bent and ability", calling them the Danny Grads. Even though the program came to an end, these women found that their Danny Grad experience was formative in launching them on their years of service. To continue the Danny Grad legacy and provide new opportunities for life-changing experiences, they created the "Danny Grad" Scholarship Fund. The purpose of this fund is to enable young women of color, with financial need, to attend the National Leadership Conference. Apply here for the Danny Grad Scholarship   Need-Based Scholarships Scholarship applications will be evaluated based on the available AYF resources in relationship to the amount of requests received.  Scholarship funding is limited, so we encourage you to apply quickly.  The $100 registration fee for NLC must accompany this registration, even if you are applying for a scholarship. If our Need-Based Scholarship award is not sufficient to enable you to attend, we will return the registration fee. If you would like a financial aid form sent to you, please check the appropriate box on the NLC Online Registration Form. Fundraising We also encourage you to seek out individuals in your community willing to assist you in getting to the NLC.  There is nothing more powerful than a story of personal growth to inspire a local business person, family, church/synagogue association, or other personal affiliate to contribute toward funding your experience.  Here are a few tips that might assist in your fundraising efforts. Think locally.  Local businesses are typically willing to help out their community more than a large corporation. Create a list of potential donors.  Think about people at common social activities, religious activities, workplaces of your parent/guardian, businesses you frequently patronize, extended family members. Having a large list from which to pull will only increase your chances of funding. Think small. It is much easier for a person to give $10, $20 or $30 rather than feel like they have to shoulder the burden of sponsoring your entire trip. Be professional and demonstrate your leadership skills.  Make an appointment to meet with the potential funder ahead of time and then be 15 minutes early, dressed appropriately. Be gracious.  Share with them why you want to come to the NLC and how it can positively impact your life.  Thank them for their time, even if they say that they are not interested.  Report out. Be sure to follow up with any funders with a nice, handwritten note and a phone call to express your gratitude.  After NLC, be sure to follow up with them, show them pictures and tell them how their donation helped you.  Please also, do not hesitate to call the AYF if you would like additional assistance in order to participate in the National Leadership Conference.  Good Luck!