There are many sources to explore for a grant to start a summer camp.
Getting a grant to start a summer camp for kids is an admirable goal and a much-needed youth service. Use your strategic skills. Develop a camp with a purpose. Align with the mission and goals of those who make grants that benefit children. Explore every opportunity available through government agencies, foundations, colleges and universities, non-profit organizations, and more.
Non-Profit Status
More grants are available for non-profit organizations.
There is a greater pool of grant funding sources for non-profit organizations than for individuals. This is because most grants are not awarded to launch a business or generate profits. They are typically made to fund a project to benefit communities, groups of citizens, and the public at large. To increase your resources for a grant, consider structuring your summer camp as a 501(c)(3) corporation with the IRS, if you haven't already done so.
Purpose of Camp
Give your camp a purpose that fills a need or void.
Grantors will look for a camp that is innovative, and one that fills a need or recognizable void in camps for children. Think about how the purpose of your camp will achieve these goals. Some ideas include developing a camp for special needs children, those with learning disabilities, or to improve reading skills. Your camp might give inner city children exposure to national parks, provide early financial education, or learn be environmentally conscious. A corporation might fund a camp for continued education for gifted students in math, science or the arts.
Federal, State and County Grants
Let elected officials know about your plan.
Government agencies make many grants under which a summer camp may qualify. Explore Grants.Gov, a free, "central storehouse for information on over 1,000 grant programs." Also explore what's available from your state, county and city. Model your camp concept and write your grant proposal to demonstrate how your camp will assist in meeting the needs of children in your area.
Non-Profit, Religious and Community Organizations
Network with non-profit and community groups.
Child-focused community centers are largely funded by grants. They are experts on the grant process, have established relationships with grantors, and are aware of state and local grant resources. Religious organizations are also a great resource. Introduce yourself and network with existing non-profit organizations. Have them critique your camp concept and grant proposal. The relationship could open doors of opportunities for partnerships and valuable additional resources to start your summer camp for kids.
College and University Grants
Higher learning institutions receive millions of dollars in grants from all kinds of sources. This could be a "creative" source of partnership to tie in your summer camp with existing (and funded) research grants and programs.
Corporate Foundation Grants
The Ford Foundation tells grant seekers, "we look for fresh thinking and for innovative people and organizations." Explore multiple corporate websites to see what types of grants they fund and how much they award. Review and narrow your search to those who make grants for education and causes that benefit children.
Private and Family Foundation Grants
Wealthy individuals and families often provide grants that benefit children's causes. Review their websites to see their current programs and focus. Structure your proposal to align with their overarching foundation mission.
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