Youth Sports and Education Grant Program

The Youth Sports and Education Opportunity Funding Stream (YSEF) is administered by the Washington County Youth Bureau using funds allocated through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. This funding stream is designed specifically to support structured youth sports and physical activity programs that contribute to positive youth development outcomes. The program reflects a statewide initiative to enhance opportunities for youth to engage in activities that promote physical health, mental well-being, educational success, and long-term personal development. The primary purpose of YSEF funding is to provide financial support to eligible organizations that offer structured sports programming for youth between the ages of 6 and 17. Programs funded through this stream must demonstrate a clear connection between physical activity and developmental benefits, including improvements in social-emotional skills, educational engagement, and overall well-being. Activities must be intentionally designed, structured, and supervised, with a strong emphasis on movement, skill-building, and safe participation. Programs may either expand existing services or introduce new initiatives that increase access to sports and physical education opportunities. Funding may be used for a variety of program-related expenses, including equipment, personnel costs, registration fees, and consumable supplies necessary to operate the program. The funding is intended to directly support program delivery rather than long-term infrastructure or capital improvements. All funded programs must adhere to strict guidelines prohibiting the use of funds for elite or exclusionary sports programs, capital projects, fundraising, or activities that involve discrimination or lack a community focus. Programs must be inclusive and accessible, allowing participation on a first-come, first-served basis without tryouts or cuts. Eligibility for YSEF funding includes nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and community-based organizations that can demonstrate proper organizational status through tax documentation such as an EIN. Schools and for-profit organizations are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Applicants must serve youth within the designated age range and demonstrate a commitment to serving underserved or disadvantaged populations. Programs must also maintain a comprehensive child protection policy and meet all requirements related to safety, staff training, and participant data collection. The application process requires submission of a detailed proposal through the Youth Bureau’s internal application system. Applicants must provide organizational and program information, including a thorough description of the physical activities involved, the benefits of those activities, and how the program aligns with positive youth development principles. Additional requirements include submission of a W9 form, a child protection policy, and responses to structured narrative questions addressing program design, safety measures, and evaluation methods. Programs must also demonstrate alignment with state-mandated youth development frameworks, including the eight features of quality programming. Applications are currently being accepted for the program year running from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. While a specific submission deadline is not stated, applications are open and may be reviewed on a rolling basis until funding allocations are finalized. Funded programs are subject to intensive monitoring, including site visits, financial reviews, and annual reporting requirements. Reports are typically due by October 15 or shortly after program completion and must include participant data and program outcomes. Award amounts for YSEF funding typically range from $2,500 to $7,000 per program, depending on available funding and the scale of the proposed activities. Final funding decisions are made through a review process involving Youth Bureau staff, a Youth Advisory Board, and state-level approval. Priority is often given to programs that expand capacity, serve high-need populations, and demonstrate strong alignment with positive youth development goals. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Youth Bureau directly for assistance and clarification throughout the application process.

Clearly describe the physical movement component and link it to youth development outcomes. Strong emphasis on safety policies, structured programming, and serving underserved populations will strengthen the application.