Mayor Walsh announces summer fun grants for local agencies

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Christopher Byner, Interim Executive Director of Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF,) have announced the release of the 2015 Summer Fun Grants RFP. Applicants may apply for a 2015 Summer Fun Grant of up to $4,000 to support fun, safe, enriching youth programming this summer. These grants will increase both the number and variety of programs serving youth and will ensure that youth across the City have access to activities and opportunities this summer.

“I am pleased to be able to support innovative and engaging youth programs that are providing a variety of opportunities for Boston youth during the summer,” said Mayor Walsh. “Our non-profit partners are a very important piece of our efforts to keep Boston’s youth safe and active during the summer months.”

The grants will range from $2,000 to $4,000 and will support summer programs in Boston neighborhoods.  Ages to be served must range from 6-19 and may include young adults up to age 21.  Programs must operate between July 6 and August 21. Last year, over half of the 86 programs that were awarded funding had a sports, recreation, fitness or health-related focus, 27% of the programs were art-based and the rest offered educational or community and civic engagement opportunities.

“I am amazed by the creative and innovative applications we receive from all areas of the City,” said Christopher Byner.  “Thousands of young people will have the opportunity to meet new friends, have fun and enjoy their summer thanks to the agencies that these grants support.”

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 23. For more information including the RFP, please visit Boston.Gov/BCYF.