Grants for After School Programs

After-school program grants fund enrichment, tutoring, mentoring, STEM, arts, and youth development activities during out-of-school time. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is the largest federal source, while foundations, United Ways, and state agencies provide extensive additional funding.

293 grants
State/ Foundation
Updated daily
GREATER MANHATTAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

YES! Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Greater Manhattan Community Foundation Last Updated: September 02, 2025 Summary The YES! Fund, established by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation,…

MICHIGAN GATEWAY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · August 1, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Grants Geographic Scope: South Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan Overview: The Youth Advisory Council is a youth-led initiative of the Michigan Gateway Community…

McPherson County Community Foundation · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Grants Geographic Scope: McPherson County, KS (county-wide with multiple councils: Canton-Galva and McPherson) Eligibility: Local organizations serving youth in McPherson…

US $12,000
City of Seattle: Office of Arts & Culture · Rolling / Open Foundation

Youth Arts Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: City of Seattle: Office of Arts & Culture Amount: US $12,000 Last Updated: January 31, 2026 Summary The Youth Arts Grant, provided by the City of Seattle:…

Up to $500 per project (approximately $5,000 total awarded across multiple projects)
UNITED WAY OF KENOSHA COUNTY INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Youth As Resources (YAR) Grants Funder: United Way of Kenosha County in partnership with University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Purpose: Funds youth-designed and youth-led community…

THE SHELTERING ARMS FOUNDATION · January 30, 2027 · Annual Foundation

Youth Development Grant Program Geographic Scope: Minnesota Target Age Group: 5-12 year olds Focus Areas: High-quality, culturally appropriate youth development programs that support children's…

Growing Gardens · Rolling / Open Foundation

Youth Grow Program Organization: Growing Gardens Program Overview Youth Grow uses positive experiences in school gardens to help young people gain new perspectives on food, health, and the world…

$100,000 annually (distributed as $20,000 per organization)
YAKIMA VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Youth Leadership Council (YLC) Grant Program Program Overview: A grant program administered by local high school students who select and recommend organizations to receive funding. Funding Source:…

BROADWAY SACRAMENTO FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Youth Musical Theatre Workshop Scholarship Program Type: Scholarship for youth educational program Focus: Provides financial assistance to students participating in the Youth Musical Theatre Workshop…

San Leandro Education Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Youth Opportunity Scholarships (YOS) Overview: SLED is a proud partner of Youth Opportunity Scholarships, which provides scholarships for middle school students to participate in extra-curricular…

HAWAII COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Youth Program – Building Resilience Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Hawai'i Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $25,000 Last Updated: March 07, 2025 Summary The Youth Program – Building Resilience…

US $15,000
Mass Cultural Council · Rolling / Open Foundation

YouthReach Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Mass Cultural Council Amount: US $15,000 Last Updated: February 08, 2026 Summary Overview Creative youth development (CYD) is an intentional practice that…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program?
The 21st CCLC program provides about $1.3 billion annually in federal funding for before-school, after-school, and summer learning programs. Grants flow through state education agencies to local organizations. Programs must serve students from high-poverty schools and provide academic enrichment, youth development, and family literacy activities.
Can nonprofit organizations run after-school programs with grants?
Absolutely. The 21st CCLC program specifically allows community-based organizations to apply alongside schools. Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and local nonprofits successfully compete for these grants. Many foundations prefer funding nonprofits for after-school programs due to their community roots and programming expertise.
What outcomes do after-school grant funders look for?
Funders typically want evidence of improved academic performance, school attendance, and social-emotional development. Programs should demonstrate structured activities aligned with school-day learning, qualified staff with appropriate training, strong attendance tracking, and family engagement. Evidence-based program models have a significant advantage in competitive grant processes.

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