The federal government funds summer programs for children under initiatives concerning literacy, nutrition programs for children of low-income families and poverty reduction. Federal funds are awarded to states in the form of block or formula grants. States determine how and where to apply their federal dollars based on needs specific to its communities. Eligible organizations submit grant applications locally, to state or county agencies, which determine eligibility for the federal fund and monitor the use of funds.
Community Services Block Grant
The Community Services Block Grant is provided to states by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the past, the block grant has funded programs, such as the National Youth Sports Program at colleges and universities. States award subgrants to eligible local community organizations for programs that focus on meeting the needs of low-income families and communities. Organizations may contact their state department of health and human services or the Office of Community Services for more information.
Division of State Assistance
Office of Community Services
Administration for Children and Families
Department of Health and Human Services
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW.
Washington, DC 20447
202-401-2333
Reading Is Fundamental
Reading is Fundamental, or RIF, a national nonprofit organization that promotes child and family literacy through the provision of free books and resources, receives funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Federally funded RIF projects include summer reading programs that are required to serve at least 100 children, 80 percent of whom are at-risk and participate in federal financial support or meal programs. Unless the children served are all from seasonal farm worker families, the program must provide a 25 percent match for the costs of the books. Eligible organizations may start the grant application process by completing a service request form online at the RIF website.
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc.
1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20037
877-RIF-READ
Summer Food Service Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides funds to summer kids' programs under its Summer Food Service Program. The program reimburses organizations that provide meals for children who participate in summer programs and who, because they are not receiving meals at school, are in danger of not having their nutritional needs met. Federal funds are provided to states which then award grants to eligible local organizations. Program sites may be camps, migrant sites, churches, community centers, housing projects or Indian reservations. At least half of the youth participants must be eligible for the free or reduced cost lunch program. Grant applications are submitted to the state programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides a link on its website to state contacts.
Food & Nutrition Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
3101 Park Center Dr.
Alexandria, VA 22302
703-305-2062
21st Century Learning Centers
The U.S. Department of Education provides federal grants to organizations that conduct before- and after-school programs, and summer programs, to improve academic achievement. Services provided may include technology education, skills development, English language skills, tutoring, mentoring, recreation and enrichment. Grants are awarded to state education agencies, which then award subgrants to local education agencies and nonprofit organizations. The Department of Education provides links on its website to state contacts for the 21st Century Learning Center program.
U.S. Department of Education, OESE
21st-Century Community Learning Centers
400 Maryland Ave. S.W., Rm. 3E247
LBJ Federal Office Building
Washington, DC 20202
800-872-5327
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