The Kids Trust Fund Grant

The Kids Trust Fund Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations focused on helping children aged 0-18 who have suffered from abuse or neglect. Established in memory of Gary L. Houck, Jr., this fund encourages innovative programs that enhance existing services and empower affected families. Eligible activities include therapeutic recreation, early intervention, and mental health services. The foundation seeks collaborative solutions that yield measurable outcomes, ensuring long-term support for these vulnerable children.

The mission of The Kids Trust Fund is to help young children of abuse grow up in a happy, safe, and exciting environment. The Kids Trust Fund was created in 2005 by and in memory of Gary L. Houck, Jr. At the age of 29, Gary became a victim of suicide. Gary’s wish was to create a fund that would provide support and services to young children who are living with physical or emotional abuse, or neglect. The Kids Trust Fund is a fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.
Funding Priorities
The Kids Trust Fund invites established nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations to submit proposals to support child-focused programs and services that are within the confines of existing programs and services that your agency currently provides.
Eligible activities may include:
Therapeutic recreational, fun activities for children of abuse;Early intervention services;Support groups for individuals or families;Mental, emotional, or behavioral health services.
Proposals should:

• Be innovative and not duplicate existing programs and services
• Empower children of abuse
• Be collaborative in nature
• Have the potential to become long-term solutions to existing abuse issues involving youth
• Demonstrate measurable and achievable outcomes

Eligibility

Programs must meet the following minimum requirements:Serve children aged 0-18 years old and/or their familiesOperate within the counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry, York, Lancaster, Juniata, and Mifflin.Enhance or expand the services already provided by your organization (if your organization is proposing a new program, you must provide a plan for sustaining the program after the grant term)

Ineligibility

We do not fund:
AdvertisingCapital campaignsDirect lobbying to influence legislation or funding appropriationsIndividualsNational and statewide umbrella organizations that cannot demonstrate a local presenceNew staff positions without a substantial plan for sustainabilityReligious organizations for religious purposesRetroactive projects