Hope for Youth Fund

The Hope for Youth Funding Opportunity aligns with Seattle Parks and Recreation's mission to provide welcoming and safe opportunities to play, learn, contemplate and build community, promote responsible stewardship of the land, and promote healthy people, a healthy environment, and strong communities. 

Details for the 2022 fund coming soon!

Past Application Guidelines

Seattle Parks and Recreation has allocated $42,000 for the 2020 Hope for Youth fund to increase access to athletic, recreational, and positive youth development activities. Hope for Youth's primary purpose is to support youth sports organizations that serve marginalized and economically distressed communities. The funds are intended to offset the cost of participation and provide the opportunity for youth to engage in sports programs. Of the total amount, $25,000 is allocated to youth sports organizations. The additional funds are open to both youth sports and other youth recreation programs providing positive youth development opportunities.     

Eligibility

To apply for Hope for Youth you must:

• Be a non-profit agency with a 501c3 or have a fiscal sponsor with a 501c3
• Provide activities or services for youth ages 11-19 that will be completed by 12/1/2020
• Be in good fiscal standing with the City of Seattle 

Funds Available

Organizations can apply for up to $3500. This is a reimbursement program; funds will be reimbursed after the completion of the program and submission of all required documentation and invoice.

Process

• Applications can be completed and submitted beginning Sunday March 1 at 7 am at seattlepark.gosmart.org
  
• Applications due: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 by 11:59PM (this is an extension from previous due date)
• Applications must be filled out completely
• Applicants must upload an organizational budget for the current fiscal year
• A panel made up of representatives from Seattle Parks and Recreation and the community will read and score all proposals
• All applicants will be notified if they will receive funding or not
• Contracts must be completed with the city prior to the start of the program
•  Programs must be completed, and all documentation submitted prior to December 1, 2020

Application

Information that is requested in the application:

• Organization information
• Organization capacity and background
• Program description and information
• Program impact
• Community impact
• Organizational budget for current fiscal year
• Budget information

Funding Uses

The intent of the Hope for Youth funding is to provide scholarships for youth or required fees to offset costs to allow youth to participate for free. Below are examples of approved and not allowed funding uses. This is not a complete list.  If you have any questions regarding how funding can be used please call or email. 

Rating Criteria

The panel of representatives will evaluate all applications based on the following criteria:

• Description of community impact and increased participation
• Serving correct ages and populations
• Increased participation of youth in the program above the current level
• Identification of the intended results or benefits to participants and explanation of how program staff will know if participants have achieved the results and/or gained these benefits
• An established partnership with another youth service agency or organization that will provide additional resources and/or new opportunities for youth participants
• Increased regular and on-going participation in sports or structured recreation activities
• Eliminates or addresses barriers to participation in sports or structured recreation activities

Required documentation if awarded:

• Proof of 501c3
• Proof of insurance
• W9
• Proof of background checks

Timeline

• Applications available: Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 7 am at this link
• Applications due: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 by 11:59PM (this is an extension from previous due date)
• Committee review: April 1-26, 2020
• Awards announced: Week of May 11, 2020
• Contracts completed during May and June 2020

Reporting

• Organizations awarded Hope for Youth funds must complete and submit:
• Copies of receipts of all paid allowed costs for reimbursement and/or documentation of scholarships provided
• Verification Report is required to receive reimbursemento
  • Reports with columns marked "unknown" will not be approved
• Outcome Report describing the benefits and/or results were achieved by participants and how these benefits/results were determined (i.e. youth and/or parent feedback, improved attendance, completion of a project, etc.)
• Invoice that matches the total of the receipts and/or scholarship documentation and does not exceed the awarded amount

All documentation must be submitted along with the invoice to the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation accounting department.  Invoices will not be submitted to the accounting department until all documentation has been provided and approved. 

Fiscal Agent Responsibilities

The Hope for Youth fund is a reimbursement program. The organization or its sponsor submitting the proposal will be the fiscal agent for the contract. This involves oversight of the program, preparation of any documentation that must be signed, monitoring the budget, approving the expenses and completing all required reporting documentation. Approved grant expenditures will be reimbursed to the grantee or fiscal sponsor after the completion of the program or season with the submission of receipts and/or paperwork. 

Contact Information 

Kathleen Gantz, Grants, and Inclusive Outreach & Engagement
(206) 386-4671
Kathleen.gantz@seattle.gov

Past Awardees*

(*Due to the pandemic funding for 2020 was not distributed.)