Grants For Kids' Programs
If you want to form an organization and provide programs for children there are many sources that you can approach for help with funding your dream. Available money is likely to depend on the nature of the children that you are trying to help along with the type of program that you want to offer. Following is a review of some different types of programs and how you can find help to get one started. By the way, if you've been frustrated trying to find anything suitable for you on grants.gov, be sure to get some important tips and learn about more options at grants.gov is not for you.
Summer Camp Experiences
Many people are excited about starting a summer camp for children who might not ordinarily be able to afford such an experience. Summer is the time when many children from lower-income households fall far behind their peers in terms of education and team activities. Keeping them involved in reading and offering exposure to other learning opportunities and outdoor experiences can go far to bridge the gap with their higher-income classmates. And they will create memories that last a lifetime.
There are both local and national organizations that can help provide financial and other assistance for such an endeavor. In many cases your organization must be either a non-profit or an education-focused enterprise in order to receive funding. Some faith-based organizations are also eligible for many opportunities. If you are not a registered non-profit (i.e. a 501(c)(3)), you may still have a chance to find significant funding if you partner with an established non-profit. And that agency may welcome your help! It's easy to find non-profits in your area by doing an internet search. You might also get good leads by talking to your local community service agency or by contacting the YMCA.
Once you have determined you can get a camp going it's possible to obtain funding for operating costs, for offering scholarships to underprivileged kids, for art supplies and food for your campers, and for other expenses. Such funding may come from federal, state and local organizations. Take a look at the listings on grants.gov to see what grants may be available from the federal government, and always search camp grants available in your state.
Local businesses are also great resources for donations to your camp! Let them know what kind of experience you are offering to your campers and you might be surprised at how many varied types of help you can receive. It might not be financial but a few reams of paper or a hundred ice-cream-bars or camp t-shirts will put a smile on your campers' faces. Be sure to offer some way to prominently display your sponsors' names and thank them for their support.
After-School Programs
Another way to help underprivileged or at-risk kids is to start an after-school program. Such programs help keep the children in your area off the street and involved in safe and stimulating activities. Especially beneficial activities could include homework help (or even just a nice quiet place to do homework) and other enrichment opportunities. Exposure and access to computers and age-appropriate internet sites could be experiences these kids might not be able to get either at school or at home.
The U.S. Department of Education offers funding to states in the form of grants for 21st Century Community Learning Centers. States are free to distribute this money to eligible organizations. Organizations are encouraged to offer activities such as remedial programs including tutoring; math and science activities and experiments; arts and music education activities; mentoring in entrepreneurial education; technology education, including computer programming; recreational activities; assistance to students who have been suspended or expelled; programs to encourage parental involvement in their children's education; drug and violence education; and counseling programs. So if you are considering starting an after-school program you will find it easier to find funding if you focus on one of these areas.
Sports Programs
Non-profit groups offering sports activities are also popular places for kids. Many sports teams are pay-to-play, and sometimes the fees can be far out of reach for lower-income households. But there are also non-profits that offer sports programs that cost little or nothing so that everyone may participate. Some of these activities are also funded by private corporations.
The Liberty Mutual insurance company offers grants to local communities to fund youth sports programs. By “taking the pledge,” groups can earn up to $2500 for their program. The money can be used for travel expenses, purchasing uniforms and equipment, training coaches, or funding the expenses of underprivileged children in the community. The teams and their supporters pledge to practice good sportsmanship and “play positive” in all their endeavors. This is a great opportunity to get funding for kids in your local area, and others are always being established by private companies who want to support the community and create good public relations for themselves. The list of opportunities is constantly changing --- find out what's available now in your area by doing an internet search that includes the name of your city, county, or even your state.
Be sure to check out the article about Grants for Healthy Kids to learn more about support for sports programs designed to develop healthier kids. And Healthy Kids Grants can help you find funds for programs that improve the kids' chances for success in life.
Conclusion
While it may seem like a big challenge starting a kids' program is also an exciting opportunity. There is probably plenty of money available for starting a children's program in your community. Check with local organizations and businesses, with state and local governments, and with national foundations and organizations for opportunities to apply for funding for your particular field of interest.
If you want to form an organization and provide programs for children there are many sources that you can approach for help with funding your dream. Available money is likely to depend on the nature of the children that you are trying to help along with the type of program that you want to offer. Following is a review of some different types of programs and how you can find help to get one started. By the way, if you've been frustrated trying to find anything suitable for you on grants.gov, be sure to get some important tips and learn about more options at grants.gov is not for you.
Summer Camp Experiences
Many people are excited about starting a summer camp for children who might not ordinarily be able to afford such an experience. Summer is the time when many children from lower-income households fall far behind their peers in terms of education and team activities. Keeping them involved in reading and offering exposure to other learning opportunities and outdoor experiences can go far to bridge the gap with their higher-income classmates. And they will create memories that last a lifetime.
There are both local and national organizations that can help provide financial and other assistance for such an endeavor. In many cases your organization must be either a non-profit or an education-focused enterprise in order to receive funding. Some faith-based organizations are also eligible for many opportunities. If you are not a registered non-profit (i.e. a 501(c)(3)), you may still have a chance to find significant funding if you partner with an established non-profit. And that agency may welcome your help! It's easy to find non-profits in your area by doing an internet search. You might also get good leads by talking to your local community service agency or by contacting the YMCA.
Once you have determined you can get a camp going it's possible to obtain funding for operating costs, for offering scholarships to underprivileged kids, for art supplies and food for your campers, and for other expenses. Such funding may come from federal, state and local organizations. Take a look at the listings on grants.gov to see what grants may be available from the federal government, and always search camp grants available in your state.
Local businesses are also great resources for donations to your camp! Let them know what kind of experience you are offering to your campers and you might be surprised at how many varied types of help you can receive. It might not be financial but a few reams of paper or a hundred ice-cream-bars or camp t-shirts will put a smile on your campers' faces. Be sure to offer some way to prominently display your sponsors' names and thank them for their support.
After-School Programs
Another way to help underprivileged or at-risk kids is to start an after-school program. Such programs help keep the children in your area off the street and involved in safe and stimulating activities. Especially beneficial activities could include homework help (or even just a nice quiet place to do homework) and other enrichment opportunities. Exposure and access to computers and age-appropriate internet sites could be experiences these kids might not be able to get either at school or at home.
The U.S. Department of Education offers funding to states in the form of grants for 21st Century Community Learning Centers. States are free to distribute this money to eligible organizations. Organizations are encouraged to offer activities such as remedial programs including tutoring; math and science activities and experiments; arts and music education activities; mentoring in entrepreneurial education; technology education, including computer programming; recreational activities; assistance to students who have been suspended or expelled; programs to encourage parental involvement in their children's education; drug and violence education; and counseling programs. So if you are considering starting an after-school program you will find it easier to find funding if you focus on one of these areas.
Sports Programs
Non-profit groups offering sports activities are also popular places for kids. Many sports teams are pay-to-play, and sometimes the fees can be far out of reach for lower-income households. But there are also non-profits that offer sports programs that cost little or nothing so that everyone may participate. Some of these activities are also funded by private corporations.
The Liberty Mutual insurance company offers grants to local communities to fund youth sports programs. By “taking the pledge,” groups can earn up to $2500 for their program. The money can be used for travel expenses, purchasing uniforms and equipment, training coaches, or funding the expenses of underprivileged children in the community. The teams and their supporters pledge to practice good sportsmanship and “play positive” in all their endeavors. This is a great opportunity to get funding for kids in your local area, and others are always being established by private companies who want to support the community and create good public relations for themselves. The list of opportunities is constantly changing --- find out what's available now in your area by doing an internet search that includes the name of your city, county, or even your state.
Be sure to check out the article about Grants for Healthy Kids to learn more about support for sports programs designed to develop healthier kids. And Healthy Kids Grants can help you find funds for programs that improve the kids' chances for success in life.
Conclusion
While it may seem like a big challenge starting a kids' program is also an exciting opportunity. There is probably plenty of money available for starting a children's program in your community. Check with local organizations and businesses, with state and local governments, and with national foundations and organizations for opportunities to apply for funding for your particular field of interest.