Arizona Eligibility and Faqs

The SYPF will award approximately $500,000 in grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000. The average grant award may be based on the number of applications received, with the larger requests being more competitive.

SYPF applicants must meet the following five criteria:
1. Applicant organizations must reside in Arizona and have documentation from the Internal Revenue Service of its charitable status (e.g. IRS Code Sections 501(c)3 and 170(b)(1)(A). Organizations may not submit proposals under the 501(c)3 umbrella of another agency.
2. The proposed summer program must primarily (at least 80 percent) serve youth who are Maricopa County residents, although the service may be provided outside of Maricopa County.
3. When two or more organizations are collaborating on a program, all organizations must meet eligibility criteria, while one organization would be the responsible applicant. The responsible applicant must submit the application and will be the designated contact organization for all communication purposes.
4. The program for which the organization is requesting funds must have a minimum history of two years.
5. Faith-based organizations may apply, but the main purpose and content of the proposed summer program must not consist of inherently religious activities.

Recognizing that youth-serving organizations shape the environment of our youth, the SYPF will encourage all applicants to play a role in addressing the trend of childhood overweight/obesity through implementation of proper nutrition practices and opportunities to be physically active. Organizations with a focus on artistic and academic programs are encouraged to apply with innovative ways to decrease sedentary activities and increase knowledge of healthy lifestyles.

Program activities can be varied, centering on personal youth development, arts and culture, recreation and physical activity, environment/nature, disability or academic/educational. If requesting support for daily programs they must be conducted for at least four hours per day, and residential programs must be conducted for more than one night.

Do the funders have specific funding priorities?

• Serve disadvantaged youth from neighborhoods with limited access to organized activities
• Serve youth with disabilities or special health needs
• Exhibit stable history of community support, outreach, and partnerships
  
• Demonstrate ability to increase number of youth served
  
• Provide age-appropriate, enriching activities and education components
• Identify areas to improve quality of program and increase positive impact to participants
  
• Establish realistic outcomes for the program participants
• Create innovate methods to reach youth and instill healthy lifestyle behaviors
  
• Collaborate among fellow grant seekers

2009

December 15- Application Available

January 14 - Application Deadline, 5 P.M. (no exceptions)
March 5 - Notification Sent to Applicants
April 16 - Grants Awarded
June/July - Conduct Site Visits
September 24 - Final Grant Reports Due

Q: Does the SYPF have any relationship to a Maricopa County Government Agency? A: No, all references to "Maricopa County" define the geographic area only, there is no relationship to any County agencies or departments.

Q: The application is posted on the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) web-site, does that mean that it is an ACF Grant?

A: Not exactly, the SYPF is a collaborative fund of 12 different funding partners, one of which is the ACF. The design of a community foundation is an ideal solution to housing the funds, vetting applications, and providing an efficient grant application process.

Q: Will the SYPF program potentially lead to decreased funding from participating funders?
A: No, organizations should consult the guidelines of other funders. The SYPF presents an opportunity to streamline the overall process of seeking funds for summer youth programs.

Q: What if a participating funder has a “one time grant per year” policy?
A: The application process allows an opportunity to decline review of the grant by both funder and applicant.

Q: Is there an accreditation requirement for organizations running residential camps?
A: Recognizing various “types” of camps (i.e. overnight, day camps) hold different requirements to operate, the SYPF will require such items where applicable.

Q: Define “youth”.
A: School aged, K through 12.

Q: When must programs be conducted, i.e. define “summer”?
A: When school is not in session between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Q: Is an organization with multiple branches only allowed one application per site, i.e. a Boys & Girls Club?
A: A 501(c)3 organization with multiple branches is allowed one application for each eligible program site.

Q: Can I submit a printed hard-copy application?
A: No, only applications submitted through the ACF online system will be accepted.

Q: May I apply for and use SYPF funds for any type of cost associated with my summer program?
A: No, the intent of the SYPF is to fund programs rather than capital costs such as vehicles, facility enhancements, building repair and maintenance .

Q: May I apply for and use SYPF funds for youth employment programs?
A: No. While this need is recognized, SYPF is focused on 'traditional' programs incorporating the specific priorities outlines above, and is not funding youth employment at this time.