The Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) Grants is designed to provide community organizations with the resources to develop programs for young people in Howard County that are offered outside of traditional school hours.
Donor Name: Howard County Government
State: Maryland
County: Howard County (MD)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/01/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Howard County’s Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) Grants promote youth activities and engagement in Howard County through free, accessible, and supportive programming developed by nonprofit and community organizations. Programs will focus on social-emotional learning, mental health and wellness, and activities for young people. Additionally, proposals will leverage partnerships with other community organizations in Howard County.
Funding Information
Grant awards range from $1,000 to $50,000 with an anticipated average of $15,000 per award.
Grant Period
The FY26 grant performance period will run from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
YEP! Grant Requirements
- To be considered for a YEP! grant, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Nonprofit Status: Be a nonprofit organization in good standing with the State of Maryland and provide a copy of the organization’s charter and bylaws.
- Service Area: Provide direct services to residents of Howard County, Maryland.
- Program Frequency: Offer programming on at least 12 separate days during the performance period. For example, year-round programs must run at least monthly, and summer programs at least weekly.
- Program Timing: Engage youth during out-of-school hours, such as weekends, after school, and summer.
- Cost: Offer programming free or at low cost. If low-cost, explain how cost barriers will be minimized for participating youth.
- Program Type: Use funding to create new programs or expand existing ones. If expanding, describe how the grant will increase youth engagement.
- Performance Measurement: Collect and report program performance data quarterly to the Office of the County Executive, including but not limited to: number of youth served, geographic reach, and age ranges.
- Budget: Submit a completed budget form with the application.
- Priority will be given to proposals that:
- Additional consideration will be given to organizations that:
- Serve multiple locations
- Provide frequent programming opportunities
- Offer free programming.
For more information, visit Howard County Government.
