Afterschool for All Grants Receives a $50,000 Boost from the Vermont Community Foundation

The Vermont Community Foundation announced that it will direct $50,000 from its VT COVID-19 Response Fund to expand a second round of Afterschool for All Grants. The donation will nearly double the amount in the competitive grant program, with over $110,000 available in one-time grants earmarked to increase access to out-of-school time programs across Vermont.

“We know that young people deserve to be well supported in this uncertain time, and that afterschool programming is an essential service that helps youth be safe, healthy, educated, and engaged,” says Sarah Waring, vice president for grants & community investments at the Vermont Community Foundation. “We are excited that our VT COVID-19 Response Fund can help to nearly double the grants available for these programs across the state.”

Administered by Vermont Afterschool, the Afterschool for All Grants started with one-time tobacco settlement funds allocated by the Vermont Legislature to Vermont’s Child Development Division in 2018. An oversight committee for the first round selected 12 projects out of 101 applicants that would start or expand afterschool, before school, summer, expanded learning, and third space programming for Vermont youth in grades K-12.

“Thanks to this contribution from the Vermont Community Foundation, we can continue to help programs start up or expand with the Afterschool for All Grants,” explained Vermont Afterschool Executive Director Holly Morehouse. “Now, more than ever, we know programs need help to continue their important role in local communities by keeping kids safe, helping students learn on remote school days, and providing support for working families.”

This competitive grant process will prioritize programs that:

  • Increase access for low-income children and youth
  • Create or expand options in underserved areas of the state
  • Serve adolescents and teens
  • Foster skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
  • Offer summer learning opportunities
  • Have COVID-19 expenses
  • Provide school-age child care on remote learning days

“We know that afterschool and youth-serving programs are an integral part of COVID recovery efforts,” stated Morehouse. “It’s about building a stronger support system and working together to expand opportunities for youth to thrive.”

Programs can apply one-time grants of $2,500-$15,000 with funds to be spent in 2021 and applications are due on December 11, 2020.