City to Accept Applications for Summer Youth Program Funding

Published on April 04, 2023

The City of Columbus is utilizing a combination of dollars provided by the federal American Rescue Plan Act as well as the city’s General Operating Fund to expand quality summer programming for youth residing within the city’s geographical boundaries. Funding will support nonprofit (501c3) organizations looking to establish or grow programs focused on education, arts and crafts, workforce development, financial literacy and more.

“Our young people were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and we, as a community, have an obligation to support them with restorative investments,” said City of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “By helping teens and youth reengage with their peers and their communities, we are also connecting them with structure and stability all while tapping into experiences and resources that will enable them to thrive and help them stay safe.”

“Increasing the funding available for our city’s summer youth programming is both critical and timely to supporting our youth,” said Mitchell J. Brown, Chair of the Columbus Recreation & Parks Department. “We encourage nonprofits to use this grant opportunity to offer creative solutions for how we can best engage our youth and improve their outcomes.”

Beginning today, April 4, 2023, organizations will have the opportunity to apply for summer youth program funding here. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, April 18, at noon. Representatives from the Recreation and Parks Department, Department of Neighborhoods and Columbus City Council will review the applications received through the online form and collaboratively determine which organizations will receive city funding.