The Chautauqua County Youth Bureau is inviting applications for a grant aimed at enhancing the role of sports in the lives of young people across the county. This initiative, supported by funding from the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), seeks to benefit under-resourced youth under 18 years old.
The grant focuses on two main areas: Youth Sports Education Funding (YSEF) and Youth Team Sports (YTS). YSEF aims to promote physical activity through programs that encourage fitness, including activities like yoga, hiking, dance, and other outdoor pursuits. Meanwhile, YTS supports organized team sports where individuals compete as part of a group. This includes sports such as team tennis, golf, swimming, or skiing.
Eligible applicants include non-profit community-based organizations and local governments within Chautauqua County that meet specific requirements. The program will run from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Funds can be used for various expenses such as hiring coaches or instructors, paying referee fees, providing scholarships, purchasing equipment or uniforms, making capital investments in facilities, and securing space for activities.
Applications for this grant are open from May 16th until June 17th at 3:30 p.m. Details on how to apply can be found on the Chautauqua County website. Funding decisions will follow guidelines set by OCFS.
For further inquiries about the grant application process or criteria, interested parties can reach out to the Chautauqua County Youth Bureau via email at kimballn@chqgov.com.
