The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth participation in group sports, and enrichment activities are still being felt nationwide. Multiple studies have noted that participation numbers have still not rebounded from pre-pandemic numbers.  The City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Department is offering one-time grants of up to $10,000 to support organizations in their attempt to recruit and retain youth in local sport, theater, STEAM, or other youth enrichment programs.

The Goals of the Program are:

• Expand access to free, low-cost or subsidized youth development opportunities.
• Develop a culture of representation and inclusion that enhances youth enrichment.
• Assist in returning youth participation numbers to at or above pre-pandemic levels.
• Build social capital among youth (ages 3 to 18), and intergenerational bonds with coaches and mentors.

What Qualifies:

This grant is available to registered 501(c)3 Organizations. The grant encourages these community organizations to think creatively.  Organizations may apply for any program that seeks to jump start youth participation or increased access.  Eligible grant programs may include, but are not limited to:

• Events or programs that seek to introduce new participants to the program. 
• Purchase of equipment or materials that will reduce barriers to participation for local youth.
• Scholarships for an event or program that reduces barriers to program access.
• Other ideas.  Do you have an idea for an event, program, or other way to increase youth participation?  Please describe your idea in depth.  The committee seeks creative solutions to increase youth participation.
• PLEASE NOTE: Grant funds cannot be used to pay wages or salaries to staff, coaches, or instructors. 

Grant Scoring:

Applications with greater city resident participation will be weighted more heavily.  Please be prepared to show demographics of current participants.  Applications which clearly communicate how the grant will increase program participation or substantially reduce barriers to participation will be given higher scores. 

Grantees must have a presence within the City of Fairfax, Virginia.

How Funds will be Distributed:

Potential grantee organizations will be asked to provide an estimated budget for their proposed event, program, scholarship, or purchase when applying.  Upon being awarded grant funds the grantee will enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Parks and Recreation.  This MOU will outline the parameters of acceptable expenses.  After completion of the MOU, grant funds will be dispersed to the organization within 30 days.

Upon the completion of the funded activity, program, or event; the grantee must provide itemized documentation of how grant funds were spent, participation numbers, and demographic information of participants within 60 days.  Grant funds must be utilized before June 30, 2024.  Grantees may apply for a one-time 6-month extension.

Program Funding: The Play it Forward Grant program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  The City reserves the right to review fund usage and reallocate any un-distributed funding.  Due to the ARPA usage time limits, the City will closely monitor fund usage.

How to apply:

Please complete the online application below: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MONDAY, OCTOBER 2ND AT 5PM.