West NY News

The Chautauqua County Youth Bureau aims to enhance the positive influence of athletics on local youth by seeking proposals for a Youth Team Sports (YTS) grant. The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services (DMHSS) is accepting applications for funding created in the New York State Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which allocated additional resources to support YTS programs for underserved youth under 18.

A “team sport” for this funding opportunity is defined as an organized physical activity where groups of two or more individuals compete against opposing teams. The principles guiding YTS funding awards include educational connection and achievement, physical health and well-being, mental health and well-being, employment, and community cohesion.

Eligible applicants must be either a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or another community-based organization operating in Chautauqua County with a federal identification number and charity registration number that meets the county’s insurance requirements.

The grant program was established under the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and will operate from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. It aims to fund programming that offers opportunities for youth in under-resourced communities to learn and engage in team sports activities. This includes educational instruction necessary to prepare youth for participation.

Program costs covered by the grant may include coaches/instructors/direct service staff/mentors (including training/professional development), referee fees, scholarships, purchase of equipment or uniforms, capital investment (e.g., swimming facilities, fields, fences, storage, lighting), instruction or coaching necessary to support youth’s ability to participate in team sports, and facility/field space.

The application period for the YTS grant began on August 7th and closes on September 5th at 3:30 p.m. The Request for Proposal (RFP), detailing all criteria, is available on the Chautauqua County Website: chqgov.com/SportsGrant.

Funding decisions will adhere to New York State Office of Children and Family Services guidelines. For more information, contact the Chautauqua County Youth Bureau at kimballn@chqgov.com or call 716-753-4117.