We are pleased to announce that the Foundation has awarded three Youth Service Capacity-Building Grants to New York City nonprofit organizations that provide services to young people in the five boroughs. Part of a new program, these grants provide up to $60,000 in unrestricted general operating support over three years, with the express purpose of strengthening the infrastructure of promising organizations that provide direct services to young people ages 5 to 25 in New York City. The three organizations receiving grants are: Behind the Book, Dare to Revitalize Education through Arts and Mediation, and I Challenge Myself.

Behind the Book is a literacy nonprofit in New York City that brings accomplished authors into NYC schools to inspire students to love reading and writing. Dare to Revitalize Education through Arts and Mediation helps students and educators acquire the confidence and practical skills they need to resolve conflicts creatively and productively. And I Challenge Myself provides school-based fitness programs that introduce students to endurance sports that promote social, academic, and physical development.

Vivian Tseng, Senior Vice President of Programs, said, “We are delighted that our grant dollars will be going to these three terrific organizations to build their capacity to serve communities that are furthest from opportunity. Especially in these difficult months and years ahead, small nonprofits will need support to build a sustainable infrastructure.”

To be eligible for the grant, an organization must meet one of four criteria focused on reducing inequality in youth outcomes in New York City. Specifically, eligible organizations must either: 1) provide direct services to youth in ten community districts identified as having the highest risk to child well-being, 2) have existing programming tailored specifically to youth of Mexican-descent, 3) have existing programming tailored specifically to LGBTQ youth, or 4) be led by people of color and/or a member of the LGBTQ community.

The Youth Service Capacity-Building Grants program is open to nonprofit organizations that that provide direct services to youth ages 5-25 in the five boroughs and have a budget between $250,000 and $1 million. Awards provide $30,000 for the first year, $20,000 for the second year, and $10,000 in the third year. In the third year, the grantee is required to obtain new outside matching funds of $10,000.