An Overview
The goal of the YSCG program is to enhance the organizational framework of small nonprofits that function across the many boroughs of New York City. With a focus on young people between the ages of 5 and 25, the awards are intended to assist organizations that directly serve this age group to build stronger, more stable organizations that are better equipped to address disparities in young people’s outcomes. These charities, whose operational budgets range from $250,000 to $1 million, are allowed the freedom to choose the most effective capacity-building techniques in accordance with the needs that are determined by official or informal assessments.
Funding Details and Structure
Each grant under the YSCG program awards $60,000 in general operating support, distributed over three years. The funding structure is designed to provide flexibility and encourage sustainable growth:
- Year 1: $30,000 to initiate capacity-building activities.
- Year 2: $20,000 to continue development efforts.
- Year 3: $10,000, with a requirement for grantees to secure an additional $10,000 in matching funds.
This staged funding approach not only supports immediate needs but also encourages grantees to seek new funding partners, leveraging the Foundation’s support to attract further investment.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the YSCG program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Service Demographic: Serve youth aged 5 to 25, with at least 80% of service recipients falling within this age range.
Tax Status: Hold a 501(c)(3) tax-exemption or operate under a fiscal sponsor with this status.
Budget Requirements: Have an operating budget between $250,000 and $1 million (if serving only youth) or a total budget under $20 million with a youth services budget within the specified range.
Financial Documentation: Provide audited or certified financial statements, preferably from 2022 or 2023.
Focus on Reducing Inequality
The YSCG program’s integration with larger initiatives to lessen inequity in youth outcomes is one of its main features. This approach is especially important in New York City, where problems like racial and economic inequality, poor services for underserved communities, and a lack of diversity in the leadership of organizations that serve young people are common. The goal of the YSCG program is to increase the capacity of nonprofit organizations that are actively tackling these issues.
Addressing Community Needs
Eligible organizations must meet one of the following criteria related to the program’s focus on reducing inequality:
Community Districts: Provide services in one of the eleven community districts identified as having the highest community risk to child well-being.
Specific Demographics: Offer well-defined programming tailored to Mexican-descent youth or LGBTQ+ youth.
Leadership Diversity: Have leaders who are people of color and/or members of the LGBTQ+ community.
These criteria ensure that the program supports organizations that are not only committed to serving youth but also to addressing the specific challenges faced by the most vulnerable populations.
Strengthening Organizational Capacity
The grants provided by the YSCG program can be used for a wide range of capacity-building activities, including but not limited to:
Financial Management: Enhancing financial oversight and planning capabilities.
Board Development: Recruiting and developing a diverse and effective board of directors.
Human Resources: Improving staff management practices and policies.
Staff Training: Providing professional development opportunities for staff members.
Fundraising: Developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies.
Strategic Planning: Crafting long-term plans to guide organizational growth and development.
Information Technology: Upgrading technology infrastructure to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Leadership Development: Investing in leadership training and succession planning.
Communications: Enhancing communication strategies to better engage stakeholders.
Evaluation Systems: Implementing robust systems for measuring and evaluating program outcomes.
Application Process and Deadlines
Submissions for the Youth Service Capacity-Building Grants are open until September 18, 2024. Interested organizations should craft a compelling application that explains their needs for capacity-building in detail and shows how meeting these needs would improve their ability to work with young people. The organization’s particular goals and a thorough plan for using the grant funding should be included in the proposal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for applying for the Youth Service Capacity-Building Grants?
The deadline for submissions is September 18, 2024.
What types of organizations are eligible for the YSCG program?
Eligible organizations are small nonprofits operating in New York City that serve youth aged 5 to 25 and have operating budgets between $250,000 and $1 million.
How much funding is provided through the YSCG program?
Each grant provides $60,000 in general operating support, distributed over three years ($30,000 in the first year, $20,000 in the second year, and $10,000 in the third year, with a $10,000 matching requirement).
What capacity-building activities can the grant funds be used for?
Grant funds can be used for a variety of activities, including financial management, board development, human resources, staff training, fundraising, strategic planning, information technology, leadership development, communications, and evaluation systems.
Are there specific community districts that the YSCG program focuses on?
Yes, the program targets eleven community districts in New York City identified as having the highest community risk to child well-being.
How does the YSCG program align with efforts to reduce inequality in youth outcomes?
The program supports organizations that are addressing racial and economic segregation, inadequate services for marginalized groups, and a lack of diversity in leadership within youth-serving nonprofits.
Conclusion
The Youth Service Capacity-Building Grants program is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering small nonprofits to enhance their organizational capacity and better serve the youth of New York City. By providing crucial financial support and encouraging sustainable growth, the YSCG program plays a vital role in addressing inequality and fostering stronger, more resilient youth-serving organizations. Nonprofits committed to these goals are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people across the city.
