The Youth Sports and Extracurricular Activities Grant Fund is a year-round funding opportunity provided by the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF). Established in 2001, RCACF is a Kansas-based philanthropic organization that supports community-driven projects and initiatives in Russell County. As an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, RCACF is dedicated to preserving the quality of rural life by investing in local needs through donor-supported funds. This particular grant fund is designed to enhance youth engagement in physical and extracurricular activities.
The purpose of the Youth Sports and Extracurricular Activities Grant Fund is to assist children under the age of 18 who face financial barriers to participating in organized sports, clubs, arts programs, and other extracurricular activities. The fund is intended to ensure that all youth in the Russell County area have equitable access to meaningful developmental opportunities, regardless of economic background. This includes activities provided by schools, nonprofits, or other community-based entities.
The fund accepts applications throughout the year with no fixed deadline, ensuring support is available when it is needed. Applications are submitted through RCACF's Grant Portal. While most applicants must be sponsored by an eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, school, government entity, or religious institution, a unique exception applies here: children under 18 with documented financial need may apply directly for assistance from this fund without a fiscal sponsor. This makes the program highly accessible to its intended beneficiaries.
Eligible uses of funding include costs directly related to participation in youth activities, such as registration fees, uniforms, equipment, or travel. However, the grant does not cover general operational expenses, salaries, or routine school expenditures that are typically the responsibility of the school district. All funded projects must be completed within one year of receiving the grant award.
Grantees are required to submit a final report through the Grant Portal, including receipts and photos documenting how the funds were used. Any unused funds must be returned to RCACF. Media content submitted is subject to the foundation’s Photo Release Consent Agreement. For help with the application process, applicants can contact the foundation at 785-734-2406. This program represents a targeted effort to remove financial barriers for youth participation and supports the broader mission of RCACF to strengthen community well-being.
