Since 2000, the foundation has funded a range of after-school and summer programs serving low-income and underserved youth in CT, NY, and WA.

In 2006, the foundation launched a summer travel program called Sparks as well as the Summer Experiences Scholarship Program to augment and extend our support of youth. In order to develop these programs, the foundation temporarily suspended the awarding of new youth grants.

In April 2008, the foundation adopted the following youth grant guidelines. Please note that there will be ONLY one funding cycle in 2008 and all Letters of Inquiry must be received by Friday, May 23, 2008.

Youth Grant Guidelines

The foundation’s youth grants are intended to fund organizations and programs that provide high quality experiential learning opportunities to youth during out-of-school-time hours and/or during the summer. The foundation supports programs intentionally designed to develop understanding and knowledge, social and life skills, and leadership potential through “hands-on” or interactive experiences. Ideally, young people participate in the planning, execution, reflection, and application of the learning activities.

The foundation board considers all applications for funding in the context of societal and youth-related trends or issues. The board, at its discretion, may choose to focus all or a portion of its youth grants in certain areas. Currently, the foundation is focused on addressing young people’s growth and development in the following areas:

• Nutrition, health, and fitness (examples might include activities that raise awareness of the connections between nutrition, fitness, and health; that promote healthy choices and safe, drug-free behaviors; that increase physical fitness and/or healthy eating among youth with poor fitness and/or nutrition habits; and/or that involve youth in addressing these issues in their communities; etc.)
• Environmental education and awareness (examples might include activities that raise awareness of local and global environmental impacts and needs; that increase knowledge and appreciation of the natural world; that develop skills and confidence through outdoor education; and/or that promote environmental stewardship through community service and/or youth-led advocacy efforts; etc.)

For all 2008 and 2009 grant cycles, the foundation’s goal is to allocate at least 50% of its youth grants to programs that address these issues in their work.

Preference is given to programs that serve economically disadvantaged or underserved youth and that target children ages 11-18.

Grants are available for both program and capital needs, as well as for organizational needs directly related to the provision of high quality youth programming, such as capacity building, training, evaluation, etc.

The foundation does not fund sectarian programs that promote a particular set of religious beliefs and/or exclude participants based on religious affiliation.

Youth grants are available to organizations serving Fairfield County CT, New Haven County CT, Monroe County NY, Tompkins County NY, King County WA, or Kitsap County WA. Youth grants are generally in the $10,000-$25,000 range.

Please see the “Application Process” page for information on how to apply for a grant.