Summer Fund Grantmaking Initiatives

In 2026, the Summer Fund supported its nonprofit partners through three different grantmaking initiatives. Read more about each of them below.

Initiative
Description
Scale
General Operating Grants
General Operating Grants comprise the largest proportion of the Summer Fund's grantmaking portfolio. This initiative helps smaller, newer nonprofits fund day-to-day operations and expenses including staffing, field trips, transportation, and supplies.
Approximately $600,000 was granted to 59 partner organizations enrolling more than 12,000 young people this summer.
Mental Health Grant Program
The Mental Health Grant Program reflects a direct response to the needs of nonprofits. Established amidst a youth mental health crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mental Health Grants fund on-site clinical staff, mental health-focused training and curriculum development, and resources to support staff well-being.
$150,000 was granted to 19 partner organizations this summer.
Camp Opportunity Fund
Through the Camp Opportunities Fund, shelters and camps are allocated vouchers to subsidize camp fees for youth experiencing homelessness. If your program has connections to or is looking to establish connections with these high-need youth, applying for Camp Opportunities Fund slots can help.
Nearly $300,000 was granted to 19 partner organizations that provided 280 young people with more than 775 free weeks of camp.
"Our use of Mental Health Grant funds supported the salary of our Youth Support Coordinator, the first full-time position we’ve had dedicated to youth support since 2019. It was critical for us to bring that position back as a full-time role, given the levels of youth mental health challenge and burnout that we’re seeing since Covid hit. "
Summer Fund Partner,
Impact of Mental Health Grant
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Be sure to make sure your program is a fit with our eligibility criteria and requirements, which can be found at the link below. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to get in touch.
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