RALEIGH — The N.C. Youth Advisory Council of the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office in the Department of Administration is accepting applications for mini-grants available to youth groups associated with nonprofits or governmental agencies to conduct community projects.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Oct. 5.

Up to $6,292 is available to North Carolina organizations composed of young people, ages 13 to 18, which implement programs to benefit their peers. The mini-grants will range from $100 to up to $500 each.

Examples of projects that have received funding since the program started in 1977 include after-school tutorial programs, purchases of recreational equipment and orchestral music, an alcohol-free graduation celebration and books for children in a hospital critical care unit.

Requests for cost of food, entertainment, travel and salaries will not qualify for funding.

The State Youth Council and the Youth Advisory Council will meet in November to review applications for awards and will announce recipients in December.

For regulations or to download an application, visit http://www.doa.state.nc.us/yaio/councilsminigrant.aspx or contact Cynthia Giles of the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office at 919-8074400.