Our story, mission & values
YouthRoots was founded in Colorado in 2010 with a simple belief: young people don't just understand their communities — they can lead them.
For over 15 years we've created structured opportunities for youth to practice real leadership, make real decisions, and drive real change.
What guides everything we do
Four values. One mission.
Action
We listen. We reflect. We act. YouthRoots is responsive to the ever-changing needs of our communities through intentional action that results in tangible impact.
Inclusion
Every individual has a unique ability to change the world. YouthRoots elevates the voices of diverse individuals to build community through dialog and growth.
Innovation
Whether through collaborative partnerships, new programs, or community resources, we are always looking for creative opportunities to elevate youth voices in philanthropy.
Youth Power
Youth change the world every day. YouthRoots unleashes the limitless passion and energy of young people — the engine that drives community impact. Youth are not only the future, they are the present.
15 years of youth-led impact
Founded in Denver in 2010, YouthRoots brought together diverse youth groups to engage in participatory grantmaking, learning about nonprofits, fundraising, leadership, and teamwork.
In 2015, we began partnering with foundations that wanted to engage youth in grantmaking, expanding our reach across the philanthropic sector.
The pandemic in 2020 prompted us to create new programs elevating youth voices from historically disenfranchised communities, launching the GIV Fellowship and The YouthScan Project. We continue to partner with organizations that center youth voices in decision-making.
YouthRoots Founded
Launched the flagship Youth Grantmaking Program in Denver, CO.
Governor's Service Award
Recognized as Outstanding Nonprofit by the State of Colorado.
National Recognition
Named Top Nonprofit Finalist by ColoradoBiz Magazine; Innovator Award from Community First Foundation.
YouthScan Launched
Statewide initiative to amplify youth voices in real time, created in response to COVID-19.
Insight Labs Launched
Six-week paid leadership program connecting youth research to community action.
Unleashing the power of youth to change the world
YouthRoots' mission is to unleash the power of youth to change the world by centering young people in leadership, philanthropy, and community transformation.
Rooted in equity, YouthRoots prioritizes young people who are historically furthest from power — including BIPOC youth, LGBTQ+ youth, youth with disabilities, and youth experiencing financial hardship.
Our programs are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in Positive Youth Development principles. Our flagship 19-week Grantmaking program has engaged 1,255+ youth since 2010, while YouthScan has captured more than 3,000 youth voices statewide since 2021.
Trauma-Informed
All programs are designed with youth safety, trust, and wellbeing at the center.
Culturally Responsive
We center the lived experiences of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized youth.
Positive Youth Development
We trust youth as capable leaders who can drive real change today.
Bridging a critical gap in youth engagement
"Fewer than 35% of Colorado high school students report volunteering, and nearly half feel school does not connect to real-life skills."
YouthRoots bridges this gap by providing scalable, equity-centered programs that empower young people to lead, influence decisions, and contribute to stronger communities.
Join the YouthRoots community
Partner with us, volunteer, or donate to help young people lead change in Colorado.