The Summer Arts & Science Camps for Kids (SAS-C) Program is a grant initiative jointly operated by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and The Children’s Trust. Established in 2006, this program has awarded over $25.3 million in funding, significantly expanding access to cultural arts and science camp experiences for children and youth across Miami-Dade County. The Children’s Trust serves as the dedicated funding source, having been established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in the county. The SAS-C program aims to increase participation in enriching summer camps for underserved populations, ensuring equitable access to high-quality programming at low or no cost.
This grant is targeted toward nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated record of offering specialized and comprehensive arts or science camps. Funding is meant to support direct camp program costs, including artistic personnel, materials, field trip transportation, and accessibility services. Grant expenditures must be project-specific and cannot be used for overhead, food, scholarships for out-of-county participants, or other indirect costs. Applicants must directly manage all administrative and programmatic elements of the camp. Programs must operate in Miami-Dade County and be open to the general public. A 1:1 cash match is required, and grants of up to $40,000 may be awarded.
The application process includes mandatory attendance at a SAS-C Pre-Grant Submission Workshop. First-time applicants are required to submit early for technical review. Returning applicants may submit for an optional courtesy review. Applications must be completed and submitted online via SurveyMonkey Apply by November 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Corrections can be made until December 10, 2025. All applicants must upload supporting documentation, including letters of commitment from partners and detailed project plans.
Grants are evaluated based on impact, artistic/scientific merit, management capability, program reach, and frequency/duration of participation. Priority is given to projects serving children with limited access due to economic, geographic, or physical barriers, and to those offering extended participation (19 days or more). Funded camps must also serve a minimum of 15% children with disabilities and participate in mandatory training workshops.
Notifications will be issued in April or May 2026 following review by the Cultural Affairs Council and approval by the Board of County Commissioners. Funding is contingent upon budget approval and will be released no earlier than June 2026, with 80% disbursed upon contract execution and 20% upon completion of final reporting. The grant period runs from June 1 through August 31, 2026, and programs must report on measurable outcomes such as skill development and peer relationships using required assessment tools.
Priority given to projects serving vulnerable populations for 19+ days and demonstrating match from broad sources
