Click Here to Download 2011 Step Up Youth Activities Grant Application

The Tulare County Youth Commission is accepting applications for the 2011 Step Up Youth Activities Grant Program. The grant program provides $100,000 in grants for 501 (c) 3 non-profit organizations that operate within Tulare County.

The Step Up Youth Activities Grant Program is designed to provide financial support for non-profit organizations that provide programs and services aimed at improving the quality of life for at-risk youth. Preference is given to programs working with youth that are in a gang or are exposed to the gang culture in an underserved area, new start up programs or programs that leverage other funds.

“While there are many non-profit organizations who implement worthy programs that serve our youth in Tulare County,” said Steve Worthley, Chairman of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. “This grant program supports organizations who think outside of the box in addressing a major problem: gang influence among our youth.”

The Step Up Youth Activities Grant program allocates $100,000 for grants to Tulare County non-profit organizations. There is $20,000 in funding available for each Supervisorial district; grants will be awarded in amounts ranging between $2,000 and $10,000.

Thirteen Tulare County non profit organizations received $100,000 in funding in 2009, the second year of the program. Funding was provided last year for organizations that mentored at-risk youth, taught etiquette training, mentored teen dads, and created after school sports leagues, among others.

“Past programs funded by the Step Up Youth Activities grants has provided at-risk youth with positive experiences and opportunities they might not have had,” said Phil Cox, District Three Supervisor. “The Board looks forward to funding more worthy programs that will have a significant impact on Tulare County’s youth.”

The Tulare County Youth Commission will review the submitted grant applications and recommend to the Board of Supervisors which organizations should receive funding and at what level. The Tulare County Board of Supervisors will make the final funding decision.

Before making its recommendation, the Tulare County Youth Commission will host a mandatory grant workshop for all applicants at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2010, located at 2800 W. Burrel Ave. in Visalia, CA 93291. The Youth Commission will vote on the funding recommendations on Monday, November 15, 2010. The final grant awards will be made on December 7, 2010 by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors.

Applications can be obtained by visiting www.stepuptc.com, by phoning (559) 636-5000 or at the Board of Supervisors office located at 2800 W. Burrel Ave. in Visalia, CA 93291. The deadline to submit an application for a grant is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2010. Late applications will not be considered for funding. For more information, please contact Youth Commission staff Jeff Forbes at (559) 636-5000 or jforbes@co.tulare.ca.us.