The Robert H. Janssen Youth & Youth Sports Fund

The Robert H. Janssen Youth & Youth Sports Fund is administered by The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities throughout San Luis Obispo County, California. The fund reflects the legacy and philanthropic intent of Robert H. Janssen, focusing on enriching the lives of youth aged 6 to 18 by promoting active participation in sports and youth activities. With a commitment to equitable access, the fund aims to reduce barriers and ensure that all youth in the region, regardless of socioeconomic background, can benefit from positive developmental opportunities. This grant program supports nonprofit organizations operating in San Luis Obispo County that are recognized as tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3), or have a fiscal sponsor agreement in place. The program particularly values hands-on participation and direct engagement, favoring community-based initiatives over membership-based ones. To this end, eligible applicants must demonstrate how their programs benefit youth within the specified age range and geography, and must align with the fund’s objectives to promote access, inclusion, and physical activity. During the 2026 grant cycle, the Community Foundation anticipates awarding up to 12 grants, with each award capped at a maximum of $10,000. The grants may be used to cover a range of direct program costs such as personnel, equipment, materials and supplies, facility rentals, training, and evaluation. Programs should not only deliver meaningful activities but also address and mitigate barriers to participation—whether those are financial, physical, cultural, or intellectual. Applicants are asked to respond to a detailed set of evaluation criteria. These include the program's purpose and demonstrated community need, the organization’s understanding of youth needs and mechanisms for youth feedback, reliance on best practices and prior experiences, strategies for reducing participation barriers, and intentional support for positive youth development. Programs should reference the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets framework, specifically identifying at least one internal and one external asset their programming aims to develop. The application window for the 2026 cycle opens on Friday, March 6 at 9:00 AM and closes on Wednesday, April 1 at 5:00 PM. All applications must be submitted through the Community Foundation’s online grant application portal. Award notifications and fund disbursements are scheduled for early June 2026. No pre-application steps such as letters of intent are required, although applicants may schedule office hours with the grant contact, Alysia Krupsky, for consultation during the application window. This grant is issued annually, creating a recurring opportunity for organizations that serve youth to plan ahead. As such, interested applicants should monitor the Foundation's website for updated timelines each year and consider aligning their program planning cycles accordingly. The fund serves as a catalyst to empower youth across San Luis Obispo County by investing in programs that foster growth, inclusion, and resilience through sports and youth activities.

Align narrative with youth development framework; emphasize access and equity.