Recreation Grants

This program provides funding to local schools and non-profits in North County to support projects that improve community welfare in areas such as health, wellness, and youth enrichment.

The After School Education and Safety (ASES) Universal Grant is administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) through its Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) and supports after school programs across the state. The program was established via Proposition 49 in 2002 and is legislated through California Education Code sections 8482 through 8484.65. ASES aims to promote academic enrichment and safe, structured activities for students in kindergarten through ninth grade during non-school hours. The funding supports programs that incorporate literacy and educational enrichment while providing a safe environment conducive to learning and development. Applicants include both new organizations and existing grantees seeking to add sites or increase funding for current programs. The program seeks to foster partnerships between schools and community-based organizations, public agencies, and other stakeholders. It encourages collaboration among parents, youth, educators, law enforcement, and local nonprofits. Programs funded by ASES must offer a minimum of 15 hours of services per week, begin immediately after the school day ends, and remain open until at least 6 p.m. each school day. Required program components include a literacy and academic element and an enrichment element, both aligned with state standards and tailored to after school settings. Services may include tutoring, computer training, arts education, physical fitness, career readiness, and substance abuse prevention, among others. Eligibility is open to local educational agencies (LEAs), city or county governments, and nonprofit organizations in partnership with an LEA. High schools, umbrella organizations, and programs solely requesting before-school or summer funding are ineligible. Currently funded grantees may only apply for increased funding or to add new sites, provided they meet all reporting and compliance requirements. Maximum awards are capped at $152,612.13 for elementary schools and $203,482.84 for middle schools, with potential adjustments for large schools using a formula defined by state statute. Programs must also contribute a local match equal to one-third of the total grant, either in cash or in-kind, excluding facilities as more than 25% of the match. Applications must be submitted electronically via the ASSIST system by February 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Required forms include a cover page, narrative for new applicants, co-applicant information (if applicable), authorized signatures, assurances, and site approvals. Applications that fail to meet the formatting or deadline requirements will be disqualified. Notifications of disqualification will be issued in March 2026, followed by the Intent to Award list in April and final awards shortly thereafter. Each school site is evaluated independently based on its percentage of students eligible for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FRPM), using data from the CALPADS system. Selected programs will enter a three-year renewable funding period, contingent on continued compliance and available funding. Grantees must submit quarterly expenditure and biannual attendance reports via ASSIST, maintain auditable records for five years, and participate in CDE-led evaluations and audits. Programs are also expected to implement a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process aligned with CDE guidance. ASES ensures that no less than 85% of funds are allocated to direct services for students, with no more than 15% permitted for administrative costs, including indirect expenses. Technical assistance is available through a network of regional support providers coordinated by EXLD. Additional resources, including detailed application instructions and the Program Plan Guide, can be found on the CDE website. Program contacts include the EXLD team via [email protected] or phone at 916-319-0923. Appeals of disqualifications must be submitted electronically within 10 calendar days of notification and must include an original signature and justification based on the application review standards.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of arts-related projects and programs in Placer County, California, aimed at enhancing community engagement, cultural development, and social equity through the arts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local organizations, artists, and community projects in Newton that promote free arts and cultural programming, community enrichment, and beautification efforts.

This program provides financial assistance to municipalities in Chester County, Pennsylvania, for improving and developing public parks and recreational trails.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Chester County, Pennsylvania, to acquire land or conservation easements that promote public benefits like natural area preservation, farmland conservation, and recreational access.

This grant provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and artists partnering with nonprofits to host public music concerts in Hartford's parks during the summer months, promoting community engagement through accessible musical performances.

This grant provides financial support to professional artists in San Antonio for the creation and presentation of new artistic works across various disciplines.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide educational and developmental programs for middle school students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, to improve academic performance and reduce absenteeism.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on land conservation and preservation for projects that improve public access to trails and natural areas in Pennsylvania.

This program provides funding to Chester County municipalities and land-owning municipal recreation authorities for acquiring land to enhance public access and recreational opportunities.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Lee County for human service initiatives focused on health, education, financial stability, and youth development.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Washington, DC, to deliver impactful summer programs that promote academic, social-emotional, and developmental growth for youth, particularly those who are at-risk or underserved.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that create educational and enrichment programs for underserved children, particularly those in foster care or lacking access to essential resources.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Enid, Oklahoma, to support projects that improve the quality of life for low-income residents through community development initiatives.

This grant provides funding to Indiana communities, schools, and nonprofits for temporary urban projects that improve walking and biking safety, particularly for underserved populations.

This grant provides funding to organizations that support entrepreneurship education and workforce development for youth in Washington, D.C., helping them gain essential business skills and leadership experience.

This grant provides financial support to individual artists and nonprofit organizations in San Antonio for creating new artistic works and enhancing cultural programming, promoting artistic excellence and cultural equity in the community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Lee County that provide essential human services in areas such as health, education, financial stability, and youth development.

This funding opportunity supports not-for-profit organizations and event organizers in Centre County, Pennsylvania, to promote tourism and increase overnight stays through marketing initiatives and special events.