The City of Columbus is accepting applications for the 2025 Summer Youth Program Funding, which provides financial support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations delivering summer programs for youth ages 5-18 within the city’s corporate boundaries. The initiative focuses on serving vulnerable, at-risk, and underserved youth, particularly those affected by crime, violence, and other challenges. Programs must operate during the summer months (May through September) and contribute to at least one of the following outcomes: improved academic performance, enhanced health and well-being, or career readiness and workplace skills development.

Priority will be given to programs located in or serving youth from Columbus’ “Opportunity Neighborhoods”, which include Hilltop, Linden, Franklinton, South Side, Near East, Southeast, Northeast, Northland, Far East Side, and Far West Side. A collaborative review panel comprised of representatives from the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, Department of Neighborhoods, Office of Education, and the Office of Violence Prevention will evaluate applications and determine funding recipients.

The deadline to apply is Friday, February 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Selected organizations will be notified in the spring of 2025. All applications must be submitted online. Organizations with questions about the funding process may contact the city at summeryouth@columbus.gov.