Grants for Nonprofits - Youth

The After School Education and Safety (ASES) Universal Grant is administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) through its Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) and supports after school programs across the state. The program was established via Proposition 49 in 2002 and is legislated through California Education Code sections 8482 through 8484.65. ASES aims to promote academic enrichment and safe, structured activities for students in kindergarten through ninth grade during non-school hours. The funding supports programs that incorporate literacy and educational enrichment while providing a safe environment conducive to learning and development. Applicants include both new organizations and existing grantees seeking to add sites or increase funding for current programs. The program seeks to foster partnerships between schools and community-based organizations, public agencies, and other stakeholders. It encourages collaboration among parents, youth, educators, law enforcement, and local nonprofits. Programs funded by ASES must offer a minimum of 15 hours of services per week, begin immediately after the school day ends, and remain open until at least 6 p.m. each school day. Required program components include a literacy and academic element and an enrichment element, both aligned with state standards and tailored to after school settings. Services may include tutoring, computer training, arts education, physical fitness, career readiness, and substance abuse prevention, among others. Eligibility is open to local educational agencies (LEAs), city or county governments, and nonprofit organizations in partnership with an LEA. High schools, umbrella organizations, and programs solely requesting before-school or summer funding are ineligible. Currently funded grantees may only apply for increased funding or to add new sites, provided they meet all reporting and compliance requirements. Maximum awards are capped at $152,612.13 for elementary schools and $203,482.84 for middle schools, with potential adjustments for large schools using a formula defined by state statute. Programs must also contribute a local match equal to one-third of the total grant, either in cash or in-kind, excluding facilities as more than 25% of the match. Applications must be submitted electronically via the ASSIST system by February 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Required forms include a cover page, narrative for new applicants, co-applicant information (if applicable), authorized signatures, assurances, and site approvals. Applications that fail to meet the formatting or deadline requirements will be disqualified. Notifications of disqualification will be issued in March 2026, followed by the Intent to Award list in April and final awards shortly thereafter. Each school site is evaluated independently based on its percentage of students eligible for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FRPM), using data from the CALPADS system. Selected programs will enter a three-year renewable funding period, contingent on continued compliance and available funding. Grantees must submit quarterly expenditure and biannual attendance reports via ASSIST, maintain auditable records for five years, and participate in CDE-led evaluations and audits. Programs are also expected to implement a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process aligned with CDE guidance. ASES ensures that no less than 85% of funds are allocated to direct services for students, with no more than 15% permitted for administrative costs, including indirect expenses. Technical assistance is available through a network of regional support providers coordinated by EXLD. Additional resources, including detailed application instructions and the Program Plan Guide, can be found on the CDE website. Program contacts include the EXLD team via expandedlearning@cde.ca.gov or phone at 916-319-0923. Appeals of disqualifications must be submitted electronically within 10 calendar days of notification and must include an original signature and justification based on the application review standards.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Omaha that create engaging cultural and educational programs in the arts, sciences, and history for school-age youth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to individuals, nonprofits, small businesses, and community organizations for outdoor programs that promote community engagement and enhance public spaces in Bellevue, Washington.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public agencies in Cobb County, Georgia, to deliver essential public services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents, addressing critical issues like housing insecurity, mental health, and economic stability.

This program provides funding to local organizations in Douglas County, Kansas, for projects that preserve and promote cultural and natural heritage, including historic preservation, land conservation, and cultural celebrations.

This funding opportunity supports K–12 education initiatives in Utah that improve access to quality education and promote cognitive development for low-income, uninsured, or medically underrepresented populations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit and government organizations working on projects that improve community life in Worth County, Iowa, focusing on areas such as education, health, arts, and environmental initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Alamance County, North Carolina, focused on improving housing stability and financial security for local individuals and families.

This funding opportunity supports small, innovative programs in the Greater Fall River community that address specific needs related to health, youth opportunities, and financial security.

This grant provides financial support to qualified charitable organizations serving the Martin County community in North Carolina to address local needs and enhance essential services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible organizations in Illinois to engage AmeriCorps members in community service projects that address education, economic opportunity, health, and veteran support.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Philadelphia that aim to increase access to out-of-school programs for children ages 3 to 8 in underserved neighborhoods, helping to bridge the gap caused by economic barriers.

This funding opportunity supports innovative programs that address community needs in Rush County, Indiana, with a focus on initiatives benefiting women and children, available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving the area.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Kansas City area that focus on promoting abstinence from alcohol, supporting elderly individuals, caring for children, providing medical care for disabled children, and enhancing educational opportunities in social work and local colleges.

This grant provides financial support to educators, school staff, and parent organizations in public schools across several counties in Virginia to enhance student well-being and enrich the educational experience.

This grant provides funding for innovative community projects in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties that promote civic engagement, connection, and a sense of belonging among residents.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to support religious education and character development programs for youth that utilize audio-visual tools.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and individuals in Oklahoma who are making significant contributions to improving health in their communities, with a focus on children, seniors, community health, and the uninsured.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local agencies, municipalities, emergency medical services organizations, and youth athletic organizations in Florida to enhance and expand pre-hospital emergency medical services and related lifesaving capabilities.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and individuals for projects that support families and children affected by divorce and family disruption through legal assistance, counseling, and educational initiatives.