Grants available for youth-oriented programs

UTICA, N.Y. » Oneida County Youth Bureau is accepting proposals from interested non-profit organizations and cities, towns and villages that would like the opportunity to provide youthoriented programs that offer delinquency prevention, recreation and positive youth development opportunities during 2018.

“The youth of our community are our future,” said County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. “The Oneida County Youth Bureau has the responsibility to allocate funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services in the ways that will best meet the needs we have identified locally. This annual opportunity to request funding allows new agencies and our cities, towns and villages to seek funding for new programs, and allows the agencies, cities, towns and villages that have been running successful programs to continue their fine work.”

Two categories of funding are available. The Youth Development Program funding is for non-profit agencies and cities, towns and vil- lages that operate a youth development program that provides direct services to youth. The state will reimburse 100% of its qualified expenditures, subject to available appropriations and exclusive of federal funding.

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act funding is for non-profit agencies that provide crisis and transitional living services. A 40% agency match is required. Proposals are due via email by close of business December 21, 2017.

“Oneida County has many outstanding organizations that have and can provide quality services for our youth,” said Youth Bureau Director Kevin Green. “The Youth Bureau looks forward to working with the agencies, cities, towns and villages as they provide safe, positive and innovative programming to our youth.”

Programs that are funded must meet guidelines established by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. The guidelines and forms necessary to prepare and submit proposals can be accessed on line at www.ocgov.net/youth/RFPPacket2018. Contact Joe LoConti of the Youth Bureau at 798-5027 if you have any questions or need technical assistance.