Youth Activities Grant

Step Up Youth Activities Grant Program

2026–2027 Grant Cycle
 

Program Overview

The Step Up Youth Activities Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations that serve youth under the age of 18 in Tulare County. Administered by the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA), the program supports activities and services that improve quality of life, promote positive youth development, and support gang prevention and intervention efforts.

Funding is intended to strengthen community-based programs that serve at-risk and underserved youth throughout Tulare County.

Funding Information

• Total funding available: $50,000 countywide
• Funding per Supervisorial District: $10,000
• Grant award amounts: $2,500 or $5,000
• Limit: One application per organization

Grant funds will be distributed in two installments:

• 50% upon award
• 50% after submission and approval of the mid-year report

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Serve youth under the age of 18
• Provide services within one Tulare County Supervisorial District
• Operate programs that benefit youth residing in Tulare County

Preference will be given to:

• Programs serving at-risk youth
• Programs in underserved communities
• New or start-up programs
• Programs that leverage additional funding or partnerships

Mandatory Grant Workshop (Required)

Attendance at a mandatory grant-writing workshop is required to apply for funding.

Workshop Dates

• Thursday, February 26, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.
• Thursday, March 26, 2026 – 10:00 a.m. (make-up session)

Location
Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency – Government Plaza
5957 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277

Important Notice
Organizations that do not attend a workshop will not be eligible to apply.

Allowable Use of Funds

Grant funds may be used for:

• Program materials and supplies
• Food related to youth activities
• Equipment or resources directly tied to program delivery
• Free activities for youth in the community

Funds may not be used to replace existing funding sources.

Application Timeline

• Mandatory Grant Workshop: February 26 or March 26, 2026
• Application Deadline: Thursday, April 9, 2026 - 12:00 p.m.
• Application Review: April 16, 2026 (tentative)
• Board of Supervisors Award: Date to be determined
• Program Start Date: July 1, 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Application Process & Submission

Applications must be typed and submitted with all required attachments.

Submission Options

• Email: [email protected]
• In person or mail:
  Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency
  5957 S. Mooney Blvd.
  Visalia, CA 93277
  Attn: Step Up Coordinator (Human Services)

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• Completed grant application
• Budget worksheet
• Action plan
• Most recent fiscal year-end financial statement
• IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
• Board of Directors resolution authorizing the application
• Completed Certification Form (last page of application)

Detailed forms and instructions will be provided at the mandatory workshop.

Reporting Requirements

All funded organizations are required to:

• Submit a mid-year report (January 2027)
• Submit a final report (May 2027)
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes and youth impact

Additional Program Requirements

• Applicants may not contact members of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors regarding their application.
• Applications become public record once funding recommendations are placed on the Board agenda.
• The program is administered in a nondiscriminatory manner in accordance with County policy.

Contact Information

Step Up Youth Activities Grant Program
[email protected]

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