The Youth and Family Affairs Grant Funding for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is offered by the City of Lawton to support local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in implementing programs for youth during the fiscal year spanning July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This competitive grant opportunity emphasizes initiatives that address the needs of at-risk youth and foster their personal, academic, and career development.

Programs seeking funding must demonstrate the ability to achieve key objectives, including focusing on at-risk youth, equipping them with life or career-enhancing skills, increasing school retention rates, promoting engagement in youth development programs that deter crime, and fostering participation in academic or non-athletic activities. Applications are evaluated based on how well the proposed program aligns with these goals.

The grant application period opens on December 2, 2024, and submissions are due no later than 5:00 PM on January 31, 2025. Organizations must attend a mandatory pre-application training on November 26, 2024, at 5:30 PM at Lawton City Hall, which will cover application guidelines, financial documentation, compliance requirements, and eligible expenditures. Additional training dates may be announced. Attendance at this session is required to apply.

The total available funding for the fiscal year is approximately $375,000, subject to City Council appropriations. Funding recommendations will be reviewed by the Youth & Family Affairs Committee and presented to the City Council in June 2025. Organizations are reminded that this grant cycle is the only opportunity to request funding for the FY25-26 period.

Applications must include a completed grant form, an operating budget using the provided template, and adherence to scoring criteria outlined in the rubric. For more information or to address inquiries about the application process, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (580) 581-3305. This funding opportunity is a significant resource for nonprofits dedicated to empowering Lawton’s youth and enhancing their prospects for a brighter future.