Published on February 21, 2024
Columbus, OH – Beginning today, 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that deliver summer programming to youth ages 5-18 who reside in the City of Columbus may apply online to receive funding support from the city. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 20, at 5 p.m.
“Our youth are our city’s greatest asset, and we have an obligation to empower them with skills, knowledge and resources that will position them on a pathway to success,” said City of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “By providing teens and kiddos with structure, stability and mentorship, we are expanding opportunity in ways that will help them to thrive and stay safe throughout the summer and beyond.”
Eligible organizations must provide programming during the summer months (i.e., May through September) that fulfills one or more of the following outcomes: Improving academic performance and intellectual development; enhancing career readiness and workplace skills; and promoting the understanding and use of non-violent conflict resolution skills.
“As this program enters its fourth summer, it will focus even more intentionally on the youth who are caught in a fraught cycle of instability and on the neighborhoods which are disproportionately likely to be impacted by crime and violence,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “We are meeting residents where they are to provide high-quality programming that gives our young people more opportunities to grow and stay on the right path.”
Representatives from the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, Department of Neighborhoods and Columbus City Council will review the applications and collaboratively determine which organizations will receive city funding. Selected organizations will be notified this spring.