Illuminate a community of kids living bright enriched lives

Out-of-School Time

Enriching children's lives today for a brighter tomorrow.

Our North Star

Ensuring youth are ready to learn by supporting innovative, high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programs in Monroe and Ontario counties.

The Spark

Between before school, after school, weekends, breaks, and summer vacation, 87% of kids’ time (18 and under) is spent out of school. We want to challenge our partners to think big and creatively so we can create more OST programs for youth to learn new skills, connect deeper with peers and mentors, and have fun. Through more safe, enriching experiences, we can help kids feel ready to learn and flourish.

How We Can See It Through

Let’s expand equitable access and participation in high quality out-of-school-time programs to set youth up to thrive into adulthood. Here’s how we can achieve this, together:

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    1. Create more out-of-school time opportunities

    We have great programs for our youth to learn and grow—but not enough. To increase access, we’ll support a range of programs for kids to learn and grow. Let’s try something new, together. Let’s work together to expand and create more innovative, engaging experiences.

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    2. Build grantee capacity

    It’s critical that organizations of all sizes have breathing room to innovate and the resources to maintain quality as they grow. Capacity building, longer grant cycles, and general operating support are all key to success.

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    3. Make participation easy

    To ensure youth who face the greatest structural barriers to involvement—and who may benefit the most—can attend regularly, let’s work together to find ways to make access and participation easy.

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    4. Listen to parents, caregivers, and youth

    The people who these programs serve know themselves best. Let’s listen to these groups and incorporate their feedback into program design.

A vibrant community where kids flourish. Let’s go.

Have an idea for how to remove barriers and bring more personal growth and fun to kids in our community? We can’t wait to hear it. Let’s talk.

Let's Talk
Todd Waite head shot

Todd Waite

Program Officer

(585) 479-4469

Out-of-School Time Summer Program Support and Expansion Grants

The Foundation is pleased to invite organizations to apply for funding to support existing summer programs, new summer program opportunities, and/or expand the number of seats available for youth in areas lacking equitable opportunities to participate in high quality summer programs. Applications are due 1/31/24.

 

Download the PDF
Request for Proposal (RFP)

Strategy Webinar

Gain a deeper understanding of the Foundation’s Out-of-School Time giving strategy and how your organization can work with us to enrich the 87% of time children aren’t in school. This recorded webinar shares why our giving strategy has changed, the new framework and criteria for giving, and how to most effectively partner with us.

Watch the Video
Strategy Webinar

Strategy Slide Deck

Our recorded webinar covers a lot of ground! Click below to download the slide deck we presented so you can follow along, take notes, or reference later.

Download the PDF
Strategy Slide Deck

Frequently Asked Questions

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More information can be found on our Grantseeker Resources page. Or give us a call.