Three separate grants are now available to provide support to youth development programs in Schuyler County. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services awards funding to the Schuyler County Youth Bureau every year. Organizations interested in applying for the new fiscal cycle must apply to the Youth Bureau by August 30th, 2024.
The Youth Development Funding is for non-profit programs that promote the development of multifaceted quality programs that provide opportunities for youth to gain important life skills and core competencies, create an environment where youth can grow, learn, thrive, and develop to their fullest potential, and will allow youth to have meaningful roles in the communities. Youth development initiatives benefit young people in their homes, neighborhoods and in schools. Examples of program types can be after school tutoring and cultural enrichment programs, work readiness and job placement programs, youth advocacy programs, youth leadership programs and mentoring programs.
The Youth Sports & Education Opportunity Funding is provided to programs that provide sports activities to youth ages 6-17 years old in under-resourced communities. There is a wide and flexible definition of sports that includes organized activities with movement, including physical fitness activities such as yoga, hiking, dance and active outdoor pursuits. Funding can be used for coaches/instructors/mentors, equipment, educational programming costs, facility/field costs, and a maximum of 10% of funds allocated for administrative/overhead costs.
Like the Youth Sports & Education Opportunity Funding, the Youth TEAM Sports Grant is for community-based organizations, that aim to provide opportunities for youth to learn a sport as an effective tool in positive youth development and family engagement, allowing young people to thrive through leadership roles and bring community cohesion to break down barriers and help youth emerge. Funding can be used for coaches/instructors/mentors – including training and professional development, referee fees, purchase equipment or uniforms, capital investment, facility/field space costs, and purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to support the requirements of Chapter 681 of the Laws of 2023, as amended by Chapter 9 of the Laws of 2024, and a maximum of 15% of program funds may be used to support administrative/overhead costs.
Over the years, Schuyler County Youth Bureau has been able to sponsor programs such as the Schuyler County Family Play and Resource Center, Youth Court, Youth Baseball & Softball, Youth Football, Village of Odessa Summer Rec, Village of Watkins Glen Summer Rec, Youth Soccer Club, and more. The Youth Bureau wants to continue to support youth development programs and provide more opportunities to the youth in Schuyler County.
If your program is interested in learning more about the grants being offered or are interested in applying, please visit the Schuyler County Youth Bureau website or call, 607-535-6236 for further assistance and questions.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here.
Get the top stories on your radio 24/7 on Finger Lakes News Radio 96.3 and 1590, WAUB and 106.3 and 1240, WGVA, and on Finger Lakes Country, 96.1/96.9/101.9/1570 WFLR.