Westchester Youth Bureau Opens 3 Funding Rounds For Youth Programs

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Westchester County has opened three funding opportunities for youth programs through its Youth Bureau.

Applications are due Sept. 24, at 3 p.m. The 2026-2027 requests for proposals cover Youth Development Programs, Youth Team Sports Programs and Youth Sports & Education Programs, according to the county.

The funding is being made available through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. The county said the proposals are intended to support evidence-based, youth-centered services that promote educational enrichment, leadership development, mentoring, health, wellness and community engagement for children and youth across Westchester County.

Under the Youth Development Programs category, eligible local nonprofits can apply for up to $30,000 for programs serving youth ages 21 and under. Suggested areas include citizenship and civic engagement, mentoring, community service, career development, life skills, physical health and emotional well-being, out-of-school time programming, dropout prevention, Safe Harbor and anti-trafficking supports, and family supports such as conflict resolution and restorative practices.

For Youth Team Sports, eligible nonprofits and community-based organizations can apply for up to $50,000 to support team sports programs for youth under age 18. The county said those programs are meant to provide recreation while also supporting physical and mental wellness, social and leadership skills, teamwork and inclusion.

The Youth Sports & Education category offers up to $25,000 for noncompetitive sports programs for underserved youth ages 6 to 17. Eligible applicants include local nonprofits, municipalities and local youth bureaus. Sports programs may include activities with movement such as yoga, hiking, dance and outdoor pursuits, and stated that detention facilities, residential runaway and homeless youth programs, and other congregate residential settings supporting disconnected youth are strongly encouraged to apply.

"The Westchester County Youth Bureau is committed to supporting programs that inspire, empower, uplift and engage young people across our County," Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said. "Through this funding opportunity from NYS, we invite organizations that share our commitment to equity, opportunity and excellence in youth development and education to partner with us. By investing in our young people, we strengthen families, build safer neighborhoods, foster healthier communities, and create a more equitable future. These funds represent more than financial support—they are an investment in our youth for lasting and positive change."

The county said the three RFPs are available on the Westchester County Youth Bureau website. Proposals must be submitted by email to WCYBRFP@westchestercountyny.gov by the deadline. In-person submissions will be accepted only if a proposer is unable to submit by email. The drop-off address is the Westchester County Youth Bureau, 112 East Post Road, 3rd Floor, White Plains, NY 10601.