Recreation Grants

The Hudson-Ellis Fund, administered by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, is a competitive grantmaking program designed to support tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations benefiting residents of Boyle County, Kentucky. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community well-being through strategic philanthropy, as evidenced by the establishment of the fund through bequests for the good of Boyle County by donors like Lottie B. Ellis. The program prioritizes projects that address critical community needs and demonstrate meaningful impact and sustainability, reflecting the foundation's commitment to long-term positive change. The program specifically targets youth and/or adults who are economically disadvantaged, youth and/or adults with disabilities, and initiatives focused on public education. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for these specific populations within Boyle County. Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate how their projects and programs will address these community needs effectively. The Hudson-Ellis Fund has clear funding priorities: public education, and programming that improves the quality of life for youth and adults with disabilities or those who are economically disadvantaged. Grant requests should not exceed $7,500, and the grant period for funded projects will run from September 2024 to June 2025. This focus indicates the foundation's strategic priority to invest in areas that foster equitable access to resources and opportunities for vulnerable populations. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the lives of Boyle County residents, particularly within the identified beneficiary groups. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "meaningful impact and sustainability," the emphasis on addressing community needs implies a focus on quantifiable improvements in educational attainment, economic stability, or quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding projects in these key areas, they can empower local nonprofits to create lasting positive change and foster a more inclusive and prosperous community in Boyle County.

The City of Redmond's 2025 Tourism Grants program is designed to foster tourism development and promotion within the city. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius, specifically prioritizing overnight guests. Funding for these grants is derived from a 1% lodging tax collected on hotel rooms in Redmond, ensuring that the program directly reinvests in local tourism efforts. The program aims to enhance Redmond's appeal as a destination through various events, tournaments, and promotions. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of public and private organizations with a demonstrated ability to execute proposed projects. This encompasses business, community, cultural, educational, entertainment, heritage, historical, and sports organizations, as well as galleries, museums, and visitor information bureaus. The primary impact goal is to increase the number of visitors to Redmond, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the city's vibrant community. The program prioritizes projects that align with specific state statutes and city ordinances governing the use of Tourism Promotion Program funds. Key focus areas include tourism marketing, the marketing and operations of special events and festivals explicitly designed to attract tourists, and the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by IRC 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations. Grants are competitive, evaluated by the Redmond Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) using official funding criteria and weighted scoring, with recommendations subject to City Council approval. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism activity and overnight stays in Redmond. While the grant duration is not specified, projects must clearly define the services or initiatives to be implemented. The minimum awarded amount is $1,000, and grants cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost. The program's strategic priority is to leverage lodging tax revenues to sustainably grow Redmond's tourism sector, operating under the theory of change that targeted investments in tourism promotion and infrastructure will directly lead to an influx of visitors and associated economic benefits for the city.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to support nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County, Indiana. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission to foster effective, efficient, and self-sustaining nonprofits that create significant community impact. The grants are funded by the Foundation’s unrestricted funds, demonstrating a strategic commitment to addressing broad community needs through flexible funding. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit organizations that serve LaGrange County and its citizens. The primary impact goal is to empower these nonprofits to be more effective, efficient, and self-sustaining. The Foundation specifically seeks innovative or creative projects that will have a significant impact on the community, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and development of LaGrange County. The program prioritizes grant requests that reach a broad segment of the community, promote cooperation to avoid service duplication, and offer seed money for innovative solutions to unmet needs. It also favors projects that provide services not typically available, inspire additional funding, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of charitable organizations. This reflects a strategic focus on collaborative, forward-thinking initiatives that strengthen the nonprofit sector. Expected outcomes include a more robust and responsive nonprofit ecosystem within LaGrange County, with organizations that are better equipped to meet community needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on significant impact, efficiency, and self-sustainability suggests a focus on long-term positive change. The Foundation’s theory of change appears to be that by supporting innovative and collaborative projects, they can catalyze community-wide improvements and create a lasting positive legacy.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofits in LaGrange County, Indiana, for projects that benefit the Stroh community, such as parks, youth sports, schools, and community events.

A grant program for certified local tourism and convention bureaus to develop, coordinate and promote international tourism marketing efforts. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grants to certified convention and visitors bureaus outside the City of Chicago to assist with international marketing efforts in markets identified by the Office of Tourism for its FY 25 marketing plan. For FY 25, those markets include Mexico, Canada, UK/Ireland, German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, France, India, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.

The 2024 Community Experts Fund, spearheaded by the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation, is a grant initiative designed to amplify youth voice within organizations. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission by directly engaging young adults with lived expertise in the grantmaking process, ensuring that funding decisions are informed by the concerns and priorities of the young people it aims to serve. This strategic approach underscores a theory of change that values authentic youth engagement as a catalyst for effective and impactful program development. The target beneficiaries of this grant are youth-serving nonprofit organizations working with young people who have an intellectual disability, learning disability, mental health challenge, or substance use disorder. The program specifically prioritizes services delivered in Massachusetts (Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, or Nantucket County) and New York (Erie or Niagara County). The impact goals include fostering youth leadership and ensuring that community voice directly shapes grant allocation and program design. The fund focuses on supporting a variety of initiatives that empower young people. Eligible expenses include stipends for youth participation, staff time dedicated to youth engagement, transportation and accommodation for youth programming, program supplies and food, community and recreational programming, outreach and promotion of youth leadership opportunities, technology and equipment, and training. This broad scope allows organizations to tailor their proposals to specific needs while adhering to the core objective of youth empowerment. Applicants can request up to $25,000 to support their programs. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis on youth-led design and ongoing engagement suggests an expected outcome of sustainable youth leadership within recipient organizations. The measurable results would likely include increased youth participation in organizational decision-making, development of youth-led projects, and the overall strengthening of youth voice in the designated service regions. This grant opportunity exemplifies the Foundation's strategic commitment to empowering young people and integrating their perspectives into community-based solutions.

The 2024 Youth Development Fund (YDF), launched by the City of Boston's Human Services Cabinet, is a $1.5 million grant program aimed at supporting non-profit organizations that offer high-quality, engaging programs for youth and young adults aged 14-24. The fund prioritizes initiatives aligning with Mayor Michelle Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore commitment, aiming to increase free youth programming and provide positive outlets for youth outside school hours. Applications are open until 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2024. This year, the fund will offer two tracks of funding: one for small, emerging organizations and another for larger, established organizations. Emerging organizations will also receive technical assistance and capacity-building support through the Emerging Organization Learning Community. Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of investing in youth programming for the community's future, while Human Services Chief José F. Massó highlighted the fund’s role in partnering with diverse youth development organizations. The program aims to foster growth in small organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 through mentorship and support, while larger organizations can receive grants up to $30,000. The 2024 YDF will focus on sports, gardening, urban farming, culinary arts, arts, and other youth development programming, supporting initiatives across all Boston neighborhoods.

The Harland Jones Charitable Fund (HJCF), administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), provides grants to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities in CFNEA's nine-county region. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support youth development through specific programming. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a one-year grant duration. Organizations must be tax-exempt, have at least one year of operating history after 501(c)(3) classification, and possess a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including mission statement, strategic goals, and measurable objectives. The HJCF targets youth up to age nineteen, with a focus on programs that promote education, literacy, safety, and moral and physical development. The expected outcome is to provide charitable support to organizations that positively impact the lives of young people within the designated region. Measurable results would stem from the objectives outlined in the applying organizations' strategic plans, which are a required component of eligibility. The grant program's priorities clearly revolve around enhancing the well-being and development of youth. The foundation's strategic priorities, as reflected in the HJCF, emphasize direct support for operational charities rather than endowments, capital campaigns, or individual grants. This indicates a theory of change that focuses on empowering existing organizations with a proven track record to deliver services. The eligibility criteria regarding financial statements (audited, review, or compilation based on budget size) further suggest a commitment to responsible stewardship and accountability, ensuring that funds are directed to organizations capable of managing them effectively. Funding restrictions highlight areas that the foundation will not support, such as discriminatory practices, lobbying, political purposes, and organizations with less than one year of operation, or those with open grants in the same fund. This demonstrates the foundation's commitment to ethical practices, long-term impact, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. The comprehensive guidelines ensure that grant funds are utilized for their intended charitable purposes, aligning with the overall strategic objective of fostering community development through targeted support for youth-focused programs.

This funding opportunity supports Indigenous-serving nonprofits in New Mexico that promote community, language, culture, and environmental stewardship.

This fund provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in the St. Cloud area to empower girls and young women through outdoor activities and initiatives that promote self-esteem and mutual respect.

The Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco (KACF-SF) is accepting requests for proposals from community-based organizations serving Northern California. KACF-SF is dedicated to fostering a thriving Bay Area Korean American community through philanthropic efforts. The grant program directly aligns with this mission by supporting organizations that increase the cultural competency and language accessibility of vital programs for the Korean American community, thus strengthening the community's overall well-being. The grant program targets community-based organizations that are on the frontlines of service delivery to Korean Americans in Northern California. The primary impact goal is to enhance access to critical social services and support regional projects that align with KACF-SF's grantmaking objectives. This is achieved by ensuring that language barriers and cultural nuances do not prevent Korean Americans from receiving the support they need. KACF-SF focuses its investments on five key issue areas: Physical & Mental Health, Senior Care & Empowerment, Domestic & Family Safety, Civic Engagement, and Youth Empowerment. Within these areas, the Foundation is particularly interested in programs that deliver critical services to Korean Americans in need, provide greater access to social services through language assistance, and support regional projects that are consistent with the Foundation's grantmaking goals. This strategic focus ensures that funding addresses the most pressing needs within the community. The expected outcomes include increased access to culturally competent and language-accessible programs for the Korean American community in Northern California. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the "Grants up to $50,000" and "Grant Period Up to 3 years," the theory of change is implicit: by funding organizations that address cultural and linguistic barriers, KACF-SF believes it will empower the Korean American community, improve their quality of life, and strengthen the community's infrastructure.

The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) Cultural Facilities Grant Program aims to bolster the arts infrastructure across Georgia by offering financial support for the construction, renovation, acquisition, or equipment addition to arts facilities. This initiative directly aligns with the GCA's mission to foster a vibrant cultural landscape within the state, ensuring that arts organizations have the necessary physical spaces and tools to deliver their programming. The grant targets capital projects, recognizing that robust facilities are fundamental to the sustainability and growth of artistic endeavors. The primary beneficiaries of this program are non-profit arts organizations registered with the IRS (with arts as part of their mission and over 50% arts-related programming) and local government entities that own and manage arts facilities in Georgia. The impact goal is to enhance the capacity of these organizations to provide diverse arts-based programming, ranging from performing and visual arts to media, literary, folk & traditional, and multidisciplinary arts projects. By improving facilities, the grant seeks to create more accessible and high-quality spaces for artistic expression and community engagement. The grant prioritizes projects that directly support arts-based programming. While a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines is supported, the program explicitly excludes activities such as humanities, social sciences, sciences, culinary arts, fashion, martial arts, sports, magic shows, circus arts, non-arts recreation, topiary, landscape art, and interior design. This clear focus ensures that funds are directed towards initiatives that genuinely advance the arts as defined by the GCA. The funding for FY25 ranges from $10,000 to $75,000, and the project period is set between November 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Expected outcomes include improved and expanded arts facilities, leading to an increase in the quantity and quality of arts programs available to Georgia residents. Measurable results could include the number of facilities renovated or acquired, the amount of new equipment purchased, and potentially an increase in program attendance or participation reported by grant recipients. The GCA's strategic priority, as evidenced by this grant, is to strengthen the foundational elements of the arts community, operating under the theory of change that by investing in physical infrastructure, they can create a more stable and fertile environment for artistic creation, education, and public access. The inclusion of additional ARP funds in 2024, allowing previous Cultural Facilities Grant recipients to reapply, further underscores a strategic commitment to sustained investment and recovery within the arts sector.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Family Services Administration (FSA) in the District of Columbia is offering grants for Fiscal Year 2025 to support youth and families. This initiative seeks to procure service providers to offer supportive services to youth aged 10-24 who are experiencing extensive juvenile and truancy situations. The primary objective is to help youth and families achieve specific goals and tasks, aligning with the DHS/FSA's mission to enhance family well-being and provide critical human services within the District. The program's core goals, as targeted by Youth Services Division (YSD) staff, include reducing truancy and associated behaviors (such as running away and extreme disobedience), preventing involvement in the juvenile justice system, and improving youth functioning and behavior across school, home, and community environments. These goals are directed at all participating youth and their families, including Spanish-speaking families, with each youth having an assigned Case Manager, Social Worker, or Functional Family Therapist (FFT) to ensure comprehensive support. The primary target population for these Youth and Family Support Services are youth aged 10 to 18, as well as transition-age youth up to 24 years old, and their families who are actively engaged in YSD programs and services. The expected outcomes include a reduction in truancy rates, a decrease in juvenile justice system involvement, and observable improvements in youth behavior and overall functioning. Measurable results will likely be tracked through attendance records, reported incidents, and assessments of social and emotional well-being. Eligibility for this RFA extends to local social services organizations, not-for-profit corporations, and charitable organizations, including faith-based groups, that serve the target population. Organizations incorporated as a not-for-profit or religious corporation or a public agency under District law, or those authorized to conduct corporate activities and provide care in the District with federal tax-exempt status, are also eligible. The total estimated program funding is up to $900,000.00, with an award ceiling of $200,000.00 and an award floor of $50,000.00. The period of performance is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.

The Santa Fe Community Foundation's Community Grants Program aims to support nonprofits in Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Santa Fe counties, aligning with the Foundation's mission to foster a thriving community through strategic investments. This program is designed to strengthen various sectors, including Arts & Culture, Animal Welfare, Civic & Economic Opportunities, Education, and Environment, by addressing critical needs and promoting sustainable development within the region. The Foundation's approach emphasizes direct service, policy advocacy, and collaborative efforts to achieve meaningful and lasting change. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including residents feeling disconnected from their communities, animals in need of welfare support, individuals seeking economic advancement, students requiring educational assistance, and communities affected by environmental challenges. The overarching impact goals are to enhance community well-being, promote social and economic justice, improve educational outcomes, protect the environment, and preserve cultural heritage. The Foundation seeks to create a more equitable and resilient New Mexico by empowering local organizations to address these issues effectively. Key priorities and focuses of the grant program are multifaceted. In Arts & Culture, the emphasis is on improving community connection, promoting diversity, preserving heritage, and strengthening the creative economy. For Animal Welfare, priorities include population control, cruelty prevention, and animal well-being. Civic & Economic Opportunities focus on workforce development, open government, and social and economic justice. Education aims to improve school readiness, academic proficiency, graduation rates, and youth engagement. Environmental efforts are directed towards addressing climate change through watershed protection, open space preservation, land remediation, renewable energy, environmental justice, and sustainable food systems. The expected outcomes and measurable results are tied to the specific field of interest. For example, in Arts & Culture, outcomes include increased participation in cultural programs and a stronger creative economy. In Animal Welfare, reduced animal overpopulation and improved well-being are anticipated. Civic & Economic Opportunities aim for increased access to employment and economic advancement, along with greater community involvement in public policy. Education seeks to close academic achievement gaps and improve student success, while Environment strives for cleaner water, preserved open spaces, and increased use of renewable energy. The Foundation’s strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that by supporting local nonprofits, they can foster positive systemic change, build community capacity, and ultimately improve the quality of life for all residents in the targeted counties.

The Arts Enrichment Program for Youth (AEPY) is a new grant program created through a collaboration between the Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Office of the Arts and the Recreation Services Division. Funded by the American Rescue Fund Program for Alexandria, the program aims to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and teaching artists. Its core mission is to facilitate the development and implementation of high-quality out-of-school arts programs for youth within the City's Recreation Centers. This initiative aligns with a broader strategic priority to enrich the lives of young people through creative engagement and educational opportunities in the arts. The primary beneficiaries of the AEPY are youth aged 5-12, residing in Alexandria, Virginia. The program targets these young individuals to provide them with interactive arts experiences that extend beyond traditional school settings, including during Teacher Workdays or Holiday breaks. The impact goals are centered on fostering skill-building, active participation, and the potential for public showcasing of artistic accomplishments. By engaging youth in diverse artistic disciplines, from STEM-integrated arts to traditional and non-traditional creative projects, the program seeks to cultivate creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the arts among the city's young population. The AEPY prioritizes programs that take place in dedicated neighborhood recreation centers, which are designed to be inspiring and welcoming spaces. A key focus is on hands-on skill building using art supplies, ensuring that youth are actively involved in the creation process. The program explicitly excludes concerts and performances, emphasizing interactive programming to maximize youth engagement. Furthermore, it seeks to avoid duplication by not funding arts programs, projects, and activities previously awarded by other City grant programs. This strategic focus ensures that new and innovative programs are supported, reaching a wider array of participants and experiences. Expected outcomes for the AEPY include an increase in youth participation in out-of-school arts programs and the successful development of new, high-quality artistic residencies. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of youth served, the types of programs offered, and the locations utilized. Grant awards are set at $5,000 per residency, per location, providing a clear funding structure. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible, interactive arts education within community recreation centers, it will empower youth, develop their creative talents, and contribute to their overall well-being and community engagement.

The City of Powder Springs Neighborhood Beautification Grants aim to visually enhance neighborhoods, including entrances, common spaces, and building exteriors within the city limits. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to improve community aesthetics and foster civic pride. The grant program is designed to be accessible to various neighborhood-based organizations and multi-family residential property owners, encouraging widespread participation in community improvement efforts. The primary beneficiaries are single-family residential neighborhoods and multi-family residential properties within the City of Powder Springs. The impact goals are centered around creating more visually appealing, cohesive, and historically representative communities. By encouraging exterior improvements, the program seeks to uplift the overall appearance and character of the city's residential areas. The program prioritizes projects that are highly visible to the public, contribute significantly to improving community appearance, and promote the historic and/or unique character of the area. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, installing neighborhood identification signage, organizing neighborhood cleanups, constructing playground equipment in public areas, and planting community gardens. Ineligible projects include roof repairs, security systems, general maintenance (except exterior painting), interior improvements, and the purchase of personal property. Expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the visual quality of neighborhoods, increased community engagement in beautification efforts, and a stronger sense of local identity. Measurable results could include the number of projects completed, the visibility of these projects, and positive feedback from residents regarding the enhanced appearance of their communities. The program's strategic priority is to empower residents and organizations to take an active role in shaping the physical environment of their neighborhoods, with a theory of change that posits that visible improvements lead to increased community pride and a better quality of life for residents. The funding is limited to a maximum of $4,000 per project, with a minimum grant of $500, and all projects must be completed by April 1, 2025. Eligibility is extended to homeowners associations, neighborhood organizations, and multi-family residential property owners, provided they meet specific criteria, including being current on all City taxes and not being in violation of any City codes. This structured approach ensures that the grants are effectively utilized for tangible and sustainable improvements across Powder Springs.

The Impact KC Grant Program, administered by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, is designed to make a substantive impact on the well-being of the Kansas City metropolitan area. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering volunteerism, fundraising, and education to address community needs. Impact KC is funded through general membership and aims to award one-time grants annually to one to four eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The program targets a wide range of beneficiaries across various areas of interest, including Aging, Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education/Youth services, Health and Life Sciences, and Social services/Families. The core impact goal is to provide funds that will have a substantive impact on a tangible project or defined purpose within these areas. This focus ensures that the grants contribute to concrete and measurable improvements in the well-being of the Kansas City community. Impact KC's priorities are broadly defined by the areas of interest, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate a clear potential for significant positive change. While specific strategic priorities and a formal theory of change are not explicitly detailed, the program's structure implies a commitment to supporting local nonprofits that can effectively implement projects addressing critical community needs. The selection of organizations that can articulate a specific purpose for the funds reflects a results-oriented approach. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of tangible projects and the achievement of defined purposes within the grant recipient organizations. Although specific measurable results are not outlined in the provided text, the requirement for funds to be used for "specific purpose(s) as outlined in the original grant proposal" suggests an expectation of accountability and a focus on achieving the proposed objectives. The grant size, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, indicates support for projects with a defined scope, enabling recipients to address specific challenges effectively.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is offering the Eastland Giving Circle Grant Program, focusing on supporting organizations that provide mental health resources to children and youth in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to make a substantive impact in the eastern Jackson County area through yearly donations from its Eastland Giving Circle, a group of philanthropic and civic-minded individuals. The grant specifically targets children and youth in Eastern Jackson County who require mental health resources. The impact goal is to improve access to and the quality of mental health support for this vulnerable population within the specified geographic area. The program's priority is to fund nonprofits with current 501(c)(3) status that have a presence or mailing address in eastern Jackson County, Missouri. Organizations requesting general operating funds, individuals, political parties or activities, primary and secondary educational institutions, and religious organizations for denominational programs are ineligible. While explicit expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the implicit outcome is improved mental health and well-being for children and youth in Eastern Jackson County through the funded programs. The grant amount of $30,000 indicates a commitment to substantial support for chosen initiatives. The foundation's strategic priority is to address community needs through targeted philanthropic efforts, guided by the collective decision-making of the Eastland Giving Circle.

The Advancing Westfield Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit partnerships in their efforts to provide vital services. This aligns with their mission to ensure sustainable support for a wide range of services benefiting youth, adults, seniors, veterans, and disabled community members within the Westfield community. The foundation's strategic priority is to strengthen the community by supporting organizations that directly serve these diverse populations. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are youth, adults, seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals residing in or served by organizations operating in the Westfield community. The impact goal is to enhance the well-being and quality of life for these community members by providing essential services. The foundation prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan for addressing the needs of these groups. The grant program focuses on supporting 501c3 accredited organizations that operate in and/or serve the Westfield community. This eligibility criterion ensures that funding is directed towards established and legitimate entities with a direct connection to the community they aim to help. The maximum grant request per organization is $25,000, which is part of a larger grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Expected outcomes include the continued provision and expansion of vital services to the identified beneficiary groups. Measurable results would typically include the number of individuals served, the types of services provided, and the positive changes observed in the community. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in local nonprofit partnerships, it can create a ripple effect, leading to a stronger, more resilient community with improved access to essential support for all its members.

The Swim Safe Access Grant, spearheaded by Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families, is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing water safety and increasing access to swimming lessons for Boston families. The program's core mission aligns with public health goals to address the threat of drowning, which is a leading cause of death among children in the U.S. The grant seeks to mitigate this risk by providing free and easily accessible swim lessons, directly supporting a strategy proven to reduce drowning risk by up to 90 percent. This directly reflects a strategic priority of improving community health and safety through preventative measures, particularly for vulnerable populations. The primary beneficiaries of the Swim Safe Access Grant are Boston residents, with a specific focus on low-income families and socially and economically disadvantaged, historically underrepresented, or underserved groups. The program's impact goals center on improving water safety knowledge and skills among these residents, ultimately reducing the incidence of drowning. By making beginner-level swim programs free and accessible, the grant aims to lower existing barriers to access, ensuring that a broader segment of the community can acquire essential water safety skills. The grant prioritizes beginner-level swim programs operating within the city of Boston, emphasizing foundational water safety skills over intermediate or advanced instruction. Funding is specifically available for ongoing programs, explicitly excluding one-time events, to ensure sustained impact and skill development. Eligibility criteria further specify that applicants must be non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with Boston Public Schools-affiliated entities encouraged to apply. Programs must also demonstrate either direct operation of an aquatics facility or a partnership with one that can accommodate the proposed activities. This focused approach reflects a theory of change that by investing in foundational, accessible, and sustained beginner swim instruction, a significant and measurable improvement in public water safety can be achieved across the city. Expected outcomes include a substantial increase in the number of Boston residents, particularly children from underserved backgrounds, who possess basic water safety skills. Measurable results will be tracked through regular reports on program outcomes, which award recipients are required to submit. These reports will provide data on participation rates, skill acquisition, and potentially anecdotal evidence of increased water confidence and safety awareness among participants. The total available funding of $250,000, with individual awards up to $49,999 per organization, underscores the program's commitment to supporting multiple community-based initiatives to achieve its broad safety and access goals.