Partnering For Youth Program Grant

The Partnering For Youth Program grant is administered by the Queen Anne’s County Department of Community Services through its Local Management Board, an entity responsible for coordinating funding and services that support children and families at the county level. The program reflects the county’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality after-school opportunities that enhance academic success, promote social development, and support working families. Through this request for proposals, the Local Management Board seeks a qualified organization to manage and oversee a countywide after-school initiative serving multiple elementary and middle school sites. The purpose of the grant is to deliver structured, comprehensive after-school programming for students in grades K through 8 across Queen Anne’s County. The program emphasizes a balance of academic enrichment, social-emotional development, and recreational engagement through activities such as STEM learning, athletics, arts, leadership development, and homework support. The selected vendor will be responsible for ensuring consistent program delivery across all designated school sites, including Bayside Elementary, Kennard Elementary, Matapeake Elementary, Centreville Middle, Matapeake Middle, Stevensville Middle, and Sudlersville Middle. Programming is expected to operate during both fall and spring sessions, typically spanning September through December and February through May. Funding for this opportunity totals 300000 dollars for the 2026 to 2027 school year, covering the period from August 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Allowable costs include personnel, program materials, transportation services, snacks, equipment, and other direct program-related expenses. The funding is intended to support full program implementation, including staffing, coordination of activities, and ensuring accessibility for students. There is no matching requirement for this grant. The selected organization must demonstrate the capacity to manage funds responsibly and ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations, including Maryland Out of School Time Standards. Eligibility is broad and inclusive, allowing nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, faith-based groups, public agencies, and community-based organizations to apply, provided they serve or intend to serve youth and families in Queen Anne’s County. Applicants must have at least two years of operational experience, possess a valid tax identification number, and demonstrate financial and organizational capacity. Required documentation includes a financial audit or acceptable financial substitutes, proof of licensing, and insurance. Collaborative proposals are permitted, and applicants may partner with subcontractors or community organizations, though the lead applicant retains full responsibility for program administration and compliance. The application process requires electronic submission by email and includes several key components: a narrative proposal addressing program design and capacity, a detailed budget, and supporting documentation such as financial records and organizational credentials. Applications are evaluated based on a 100-point rubric that includes abstract quality, organizational capacity, program narrative, and budget justification. Programs must also demonstrate the ability to track and report performance metrics related to participation, quality, and outcomes, including student engagement, academic improvement, and social-emotional development. The timeline for the grant includes an RFP announcement on June 1, 2026, a deadline for submitting questions on June 22, 2026, and a final application deadline of June 29, 2026. Responses to applicant questions are posted publicly prior to submission. Proposals undergo review by a committee, with final approval by the Local Management Board. Notification and acceptance activities occur in July, with the program expected to begin on August 1, 2026. The grant is not explicitly stated as recurring, but it aligns with annual school-year programming cycles, suggesting potential future opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate data-driven strategies, sustainability planning, and community partnerships into their proposals. Strong emphasis is placed on communication with parents and stakeholders, equitable access to programming, and measurable outcomes. For questions or clarification, applicants may contact Brian Barnshaw, Resource Development Specialist, via email. The program ultimately aims to strengthen youth outcomes across the county by providing safe, engaging, and enriching after-school environments.

Ensure strong alignment with performance metrics include measurable outcomes demonstrate organizational capacity and provide a detailed realistic budget aligned with program goals