Funding is once again available for local community-based organizations to host Friday and Saturday night drop-in events for youth in priority neighborhoods across Sacramento.
The City’s Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment (YPCE) Department this week released a request for applications (RFA) for $1.3 million in funding to support #SacTownYouthNights programming running through August 2024.
Through the RFA process, the City will provide funding to youth-serving CBOs to plan and host events that are youth-led, adult-supported and designed for 30-50 or more youth ages 12-24.
“With this grant opportunity, organizations will receive funding to provide youth opportunities for social interaction, skill-building and personal growth for the next year,” said YPCE Director Jackie Beecham. “These events are in addition to ongoing City-run programming that provides youth with safe spaces year-round.”
YPCE offers a variety of programs and services to support young people during summer and beyond. This includes free “Hot Spot Remix” night events throughout the year featuring indoor/outdoor sports, swimming, movie nights, food trucks and giveaways.
Community center spaces are currently open Fridays from 2-7 p.m. for teens ages 13-17 to hang out with friends, play video games, sports and other self-guided recreational activities.
Recreation swim hours have been extended to 7 p.m. on Fridays at some City pools.
The City’s Office of Violence Prevention also coordinates with local organizations including Impact SAC and Brother 2 Brother, providing a variety of youth programs this summer.
The City offered #SacTownYouthNights funding last year, providing funding to nearly 30 CBOs to put on events.
Interested applicants can apply using the City’s new Grants Management System. Currently in beta testing, this portal will serve as the City’s centralized system for managing all grants. The grant application submission portal can be accessed here.
Applicants must submit proposals using the portal by 4 p.m. Aug. 25. The City will not consider applications that are incomplete or received after this due date.
Questions on the grant opportunity can be submitted until 4 p.m. on Aug. 17 to youthdevelopment@cityofsacramento.org. For questions or assistance using the new grants system, please contact the City’s grants team at grants@cityofsacramento.gov.
An information session will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 16. Those interested in attending can join here.
Grants will be awarded in September. Once CBOs awardees have submitted schedules for events, a calendar will be made available on the City’s website.