Youth-Serving Organization (YSO) Competitive Grant Program

Youth-Serving Organization (YSO) Competitive Grant Program

Overview: 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.

Recent Grantees (2025):

$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