The Chautauqua County Youth Bureau is looking to expand opportunities for young people to experience youth sports through grants to support programs for children between the ages of 6 and 17.

The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services has funding through the state Office for Children and Family Services to support youth sports programming for under-resourced children and youth ages 6 to 17. The following program/service areas have been identified as priorities:

– Youth Sports Education Funding (YSEF) – Programs that enable youth to be active and encourage physical fitness. – Youth Team Sports (YTS) – Programs that support an organized physical activity. Sporting activities where individuals engage in competition on behalf of an organized group including, but not limited to, team tennis, team golf, or racing sports such as swimming or skiing, are included in this definition.

Eligible applicants must be from interested non-profit community-based organizations, cities, towns, and villages within Chautauqua County with a federal identification number and charity registration number. The grant will run during the program year October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that will help increase access to quality athletic and recreational programs, reduce barriers to participation and promote positive youth development throughout Chautauqua County. The grant may be used to fund programming that provides opportunities for youth in under-resourced communities. Program costs can include the following: coaches/instructors/direct service staff/mentors (including training/professional development), referees fees, scholarships, purchase of equipment or uniforms, infrastructure improvements, instruction or coaching to help youth participate in team sports and facility/field space.

The application period for the Youth Sports grant closes July 9 at 3:30 p.m. The Request for Proposal is available online at chautauquacountyny.gov/YouthGrantFunds, it may also be requested by emailing kimballn@chqgov.com. Funding decisions and awards will be based upon sOffice of Children and Family guidelines.