The Youth Development Grant is a signature program of the Mayor’s Youth Engagement initiatives.
“There is no denying that investing in our youth from an early age builds a solid foundation for success and opportunity in the future,” said Mayor Dickens. “Thank you to our federal partners for their leadership in passing the ARP and thank you to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta for their partnership in ensuring no one is left behind as we move Atlanta forward.”
The purpose of the grant is to provide a strategic investment into grassroots efforts many underfunded organizations have taken on to support the Atlanta students. Through the Urban League, grants will be made to existing, community-based nonprofit organizations that provide innovative programming in need of additional funding to increase capacity to serve local students disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
“We are honored and gratified to have the confidence of the City of Atlanta to administer the Youth Development Grant and excited to bring our 100+ years of experience to support initiatives that tap into our youth’s talents, support them to explore career pathways and engage in academic enrichment to help mitigate learning losses due to COVID 19 and the digital divide,” said Nancy Flake Johnson, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. “These grants will advance the City of Atlanta and Mayor Andre Dickens’ goal to expand government and community collaborations that invest in our city’s youth and will empower and build the capacity of grassroots youth-serving organizations that are making a critical impact and changing lives.”
Flake Johnson adds, “Many of our youth were impacted in so many ways by the pandemic and these grants will help with financial support–sending a clear and important message that our youth are valued and treasured by our city.”
There will be two grant cycles in which organizations can apply for awards. The first grant cycle will open in August and the second cycle will open in December. All eligibility and application requirements will be outlined in the application. The applications will also include a section for a proposal on how the organization’s service model will help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on Atlanta’s youth. Applicants will be required to engage in technical training workshops and program performance reviews.
Community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status should demonstrate a track record of working with Atlanta’s youth. Eligible programs may include, but are not limited to health and wellness, academic support, career training and arts education.