These items will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Are you sure?
You are about to change the status of that record. Are you sure?
North & South America
All Other Countries
Interact for Health has adopted the vital conditions for health and well-being framework in our grantmaking and philosophy for reducing health disparities to achieve health justice. At the center of this framework is belonging and civic muscle, which forms the foundation for individual and community well-being. Together, they represent both a sense of inclusion and the ability to act—two essential components for thriving communities.
Last year, Interact partnered with a national initiative called The Contribution Project, which gave $400 to young people to make a difference in their community. Through these mini-grants, youth were invited to lead their own service projects—each rooted in their passions, relationships, and visions for change.
The result? 65 youth-led efforts that built connection, sparked leadership, and challenged the myth that young people are apathetic about civic life.
Each project reflected a unique approach—from free haircuts to clothing drives—yet shared one powerful thread: youth taking meaningful action in their communities.
People thrive when they're connected to their communities—and so do the communities themselves. Supportive and connected neighborhoods foster stronger mental health, encourage resilience, and build collective well-being. When individuals feel included and know their voice matters, they’re more likely to take action, seek support, and contribute to solutions that improve life for everyone around them.
One participant, Adriana W., supplied her church with more learning materials and better childproofing equipment—but the personal impact of her project went far deeper.
“Doing this project was such an impactful way to show care to a community that has given me their all and stood by my side through obstacles I would have never been able to face alone,” she said. “Being able to give back and help with the kids was such a sweet experience.”
Jane L. participated in this project with other young people in her youth group. They hosted an event called Laundry Love where they went to a laundry mat and used the $400 to order pizza, buy games, and pay for members of the community to do their laundry for free—268 loads in total. Not only was this a way for Jane and other young people in her church to connect with members of their community, it also provided them a leadership opportunity to contribute positively to the world. “[Opportunities like the Contribution Project] give youth more chances to see what actually happens in the world.” Laundry Love Volunteers and participants (provided)
Jane spoke to the importance of events like this--and of The Contribution Project overall -- as a powerful way to foster connection and create a sense of belonging.
“This really helped build a better community and helped people meet each other in ways they probably wouldn't have,” she said. “The people who were there were really nice, and it was a lot of fun doing it. And like, if I ever see those people again, it'll be nice to say hi. You build a better community and meet new people in ways that you wouldn't have probably in the first place.”
When we invest in young people and equip them with the tools to make meaningful contributions to their communities, they develop a stronger sense of autonomy and belonging—while the community itself grows stronger as a result.
“Young people are too often wrongly labeled as indifferent to the world around them,” said Ross Meyer, Vice President of Strategy at Interact for Health. “The data from The Contribution Project shows young people are far from apathetic—they’re purposeful, capable, and deeply invested in their communities. By recognizing and reinforcing their contributions, we can shift public narratives and champion youth as changemakers.”
A second round of the Contribution Project is coming soon to the Greater Cincinnati area—keep an eye out in our biweekly newsletter, Health Watch, for more information!
Return to News
