Community Based Programs Guidelines
We will consider community-based programs in the following high need neighborhoods:
Shingle Creek, Lind-Bohanon, Victory, Webber-Camden, Cleveland, Folwell, Mckinley, Jordan, Hawthorne, Willard-Hay, Near North, Harrison, Sumner-Glenwood, Elliot Park, Cedar-Riverside, Ventura Village, Whittier, Phillips, Seward, Longfellow, Jordan, Cooper, Central, Powderhorn Park, Corcoran, and Standish
We are interested in programs that:
- Provide direct programming where middle school youth are the direct participant or beneficiary of the program.
- Provide enrichment/development programs that are relevant to low-income students.
- Provide access to resources to promote healthy lifestyle choices.
- Assist young people to develop positive relationships with adults, life skills and positive decision-making.
- Provide direct access to quality arts and creative expression.
As we review proposals, we carefully look at the middle school age populations being served and focus our efforts on those with significant economic challenges typically as indicated by eligibility for free or reduced lunch. We will seek programs that apply proven best practices and respectfully support these young people and their families in culturally appropriate ways. Click the following links for more information about program design for middle school age youth:
- Once We Know It
- Quality Matters
- Middle School Transition
- Youth Engagement Continuum (Perrin Family Foundation)
In addition to our continuing emphasis on developmentally appropriate programs designed for middle school students, we also recognize the importance of culturally relevant programs, staff and organizations that empower young people to develop agency, independence, and empowerment. We prefer programs that explicitly demonstrate an equity, inclusion, and empowerment lens in their work.