The New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYS AHPERD) Foundation, established in 2014, aims to ensure a strong legacy for future educators by supporting innovation through grant funding. The Foundation is a part of the broader NYS AHPERD organization, which has existed since 1924 and is committed to fostering professional development and leadership across New York State in the disciplines of health, physical education, recreation, and dance. It does this through various resources including conferences, workshops, and online content.
The NYS AHPERD Foundation is offering eleven grants in 2025, each valued at $1,000. These grants are intended to benefit youth in New York State by supporting initiatives at the school, recreation, or community level. A special distinction, the Past Presidents’ Foundation Grant, will be awarded to the top-rated application. Funding must be used for specific purposes including program development, equipment purchases, and professional training that demonstrably impacts student learning. However, the grant cannot be used for travel, meals, housing, conference registration, salaries, memberships, or incentives.
Applicants must be NYS AHPERD members for five consecutive years, which may include up to two years as a future professional. Grants are not available for NYS AHPERD events, and applicants must be affiliated with a public or private educational or community institution in New York State. Past recipients must wait three years before reapplying. Additionally, grants will not be awarded if the intended program is led by a non-member, and members are restricted from applying on behalf of non-members outside their districts.
Applications must be submitted electronically to Sandy Morley, President of the Foundation Board of Trustees, via email. Questions can be directed to her phone number. All applications must include specific details, signatures from key organizational leaders, and be submitted by the deadline of July 15, 2025. Grants will be awarded at the NYS AHPERD State Conference and must be used within one year of the award date.
Applicants must complete a detailed form including affiliation, number of youths served, current budget, and program specifics. They are also required to respond to a narrative section covering goals, needs, expected impact, evaluation plans, and sustainability. Budgets must be itemized across designated vendor categories. Signature approvals are required from the applicant, their supervisor, and a higher-level organizational authority.
