Oneida County Youth Bureau Grant 2026

The Oneida County Youth Bureau, under the leadership of County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., is accepting applications for its 2026 youth grant funding cycle. This program is funded through allocations from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, with the County Youth Bureau responsible for administering these funds to meet local priorities. The annual opportunity is designed to provide resources for both new and existing youth programs across Oneida County, ensuring that high-quality, community-based initiatives continue to serve the needs of local children and adolescents. The purpose of the program is to support initiatives that promote delinquency prevention, recreation, and positive youth development. Applicants may include nonprofit organizations as well as municipal entities such as cities, towns, and villages. By focusing on youth engagement and development, the Bureau seeks to create opportunities that enhance safety, education, recreation, and stability for children and adolescents in the region. The funding is aimed at programs that deliver measurable impacts in areas such as mentoring, afterschool support, community sports, crisis intervention, and youth empowerment. There are four funding categories available under this opportunity. The Youth Development Program (YDP) supports nonprofits and municipalities in operating direct-service youth development programs, with reimbursement available for qualified expenditures under state guidelines. The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) program funds nonprofit agencies providing crisis response and transitional living services. Youth Sports and Education Opportunity Funding (YSEF) supports sports initiatives for underserved children and youth under 18, with a focus on offering a variety of sports in under-resourced communities. The Youth Team Sports (YTS) category is dedicated exclusively to team sports programs for underserved youth under 18, aiming to expand access to organized team sports in communities where such opportunities are limited. Eligible applicants must ensure their proposed programs align with guidelines established by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Funding is contingent on compliance with state regulations and subject to available appropriations. Federal funding sources are not included in these allocations, and only qualifying expenditures under state rules will be reimbursed. While no minimum or maximum award amounts are specified in the announcement, applicants are encouraged to develop detailed, cost-effective proposals that align with local priorities and demonstrate strong programmatic outcomes. Applications are due by September 16, 2026, and must be submitted electronically to Karen Pensero-Shanley of the Oneida County Youth Bureau. The necessary application guidelines and forms are available through the County’s official website at www.oneidacountyny.gov/departments/youth-bureau/. Questions may be directed to Ms. Pensero-Shanley by phone at 315-798-5027 or by email at kpensero-shanley@oneidacountyny.gov. The Bureau will review all applications according to state and local standards and determine funding allocations accordingly. This grant cycle follows an annual pattern, meaning that interested organizations should anticipate similar opportunities in future years. The 2026 deadline continues the Bureau’s tradition of yearly funding rounds, and applicants should plan for recurring opportunities to sustain their programs. The availability of four distinct categories allows for a wide range of programmatic proposals to address the diverse needs of youth across Oneida County, making this a comprehensive opportunity for agencies and municipalities committed to advancing youth development and wellbeing.