The Farash Charitable Foundation has announced the "OST Summer Fun and Learning Grants 2025" to support community-based organizations in Monroe and Ontario Counties in delivering enriching out-of-school time (OST) summer programs. These grants aim to create meaningful opportunities for youth aged 3-18 to engage in learning, skill-building, and fun activities during summer, with an emphasis on social-emotional development and incorporating feedback from youth and caregivers in program design. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative and impactful ideas that align with the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life for communities and foster youth development.

This funding opportunity supports summer programs meeting specific criteria: they must run for at least four weeks, four days per week, and three hours per day, and provide meals or snacks. Programs should promote academic skill-building, curiosity, and social-emotional learning. Staff development through positive youth development training is also prioritized. The foundation seeks organizations that incorporate clear youth goals with measurable outcomes and engage youth and caregivers in shaping the program design.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, tribes and tribal organizations, and schools within Monroe and Ontario Counties that have 501(c)(3) status and are not classified as private foundations or Type III supporting organizations. Youth-led and smaller nonprofits are strongly encouraged to apply. However, the foundation does not fund overnight camps, individuals, political activities, lobbying efforts, research grants, or scholarships. Approximately $1,000,000 is available for this grant cycle, with past awards ranging from $21,000 to $120,000. Multi-year funding for up to three years (2025-2027) may also be considered.

Applications must be submitted via the foundation's online portal, FLUXX, by January 31, 2025. A detailed budget narrative and alignment with the foundation's OST strategy are critical components of the application. Incomplete or late submissions will not be reviewed. Evaluation criteria include the program's alignment with the foundation's mission, its capacity to benefit underserved youth, and clarity in program goals and budget.

To support prospective applicants, the foundation offers informational sessions, including a webinar on December 12, 2024, and an in-person technical assistance session on January 8, 2025, at their Rochester office. Additionally, one-on-one application support is available through their program officer, Todd Michel Waite, who can provide guidance on the fit, application development, and responding to specific questions.

Key dates include the proposal opening on November 25, 2024, with decisions announced by March 24, 2025. Successful grantees will participate in periodic check-ins and submit a final report detailing the impact of the funds on youth outcomes and expenditure details. For further assistance, applicants can reach out to the program officer via email or phone.