The Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) is excited to announce a new grant opportunity opening on April 15, 2024. The 2024 Community Grants: Youth Outside and Offline will fund after-school and out-of-school programs that combine two key ingredients for healthy youth development: spending time outdoors and developing healthy technology habits.

Research shows spending time in nature has proven benefits for kids’ physical and mental health. Additionally, excessive screen time and exposure to negativity online can be harmful for youth. A recent Pew Research Center Report shows that most U.S. teens feel happier and calmer without their phones.

Funding Goal: Support programs that get youth outside participating in a variety of activities while teaching healthy ways to use technology, reduce screen time, and engage safely with social media.

Funding Criteria:

  • Programs must incorporate a curriculum on healthy technology use or demonstrate a plan to deliver age-appropriate messages about reducing social media use and adopting healthy tech habits.
  • After-school, out-of-school, and summer programs serving elementary through high school students are encouraged to apply.
  • Funding can be applied for programming that starts this summer/fall or for spring or summer 2025.
  • Existing or new programs that prioritize outdoor activities will be considered.
  • Preference will be given to programs that serve at-risk and/or underserved youth.
  • Funds will not support outreach, marketing, or sponsorship of events.
  • Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $10,000.

 

Organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) or other qualified charitable (schools, church or government) entities serving Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, or Rio Blanco Counties in Colorado. Organizations should be registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State.

Applications will be open from April 15, and the deadline to apply is  May 24, 2024, at 5:00 pm MT. Visit our website at https://wc-cf.org/explore-funding/ to learn more and apply.

For questions, contact WCCF at 970-243-3767 or email Tedi Gillespie, tgillespie@wc-cf.org.