Youth-Serving Organization (YSO) Competitive Grant Program

Provides operational and program funding to Camden-led nonprofit organizations serving youth aged 3-18.

Award Amounts:

• $40,000 grants
• $20,000 grants
• $10,000 grants
• $5,000 grants

Geographic Scope: Camden, NJ

Total Funding Available: $475,000 (as of 2025 grant cycle)

Program Duration: Now in its fifth year (as of 2025)

Focus Areas:

• Social-Emotional Learning
• Mental Health
• Academic Recovery
• Mentoring
• Mental health supports
• Opportunities in the arts
• Career exposure
• Summer enrichment

Eligible Organizations:

• Camden-led nonprofit organizations
• Organizations serving youth ages 3-18

Background: This competitive grant program provides much-needed support for youth organizations that create vital opportunities for Camden students. In recent years, the program has focused largest grants on Social-Emotional Learning, Mental Health, and academic recovery, empowering students to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

$40,000 grants:

• B.O.S.S. Mentoring
• Camden Dream Center/Koinonia Family Life
• Movimiento Tricolor

$20,000 grants:

• Camden Rep
• Daelight Foundation
• First Timers Society
• Free All Minds Academy
• I Dare to Care
• Pasha Arts
• Rising Leaders Global Social Responsibility
• Through Me Symphony in C
• The Neighborhood Center Camden
• WHYY Women of the Dream

$10,000 grants:

• A Hand to Hold
• Camden Bible Tabernacle
• CAUSE
• Centerville Youth Athletic Association
• Minority Allied Lenders
• Raise the Bar
• Wholesome Riches

$5,000 grants:

• Adolescent Achievers
• Center for Environmental Transformation
• LUCY Outreach
• McCoys Stop the Hunger Food and Mobile Pantry
• Mighty Writers

Application Process

Specific application procedures were not detailed in the provided materials. Contact Camden Education Fund for current application guidelines and deadlines.

Contact: Giana Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Camden Education Fund