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	Our largest grant program provides flexible funding to a trusted network of youth-serving organizations, helping summer programs thrive and making high-quality experiences possible through support for staffing, transportation, supplies, field trips, and other essentials.	Nearly $600,000 was awarded to 59 partner organizations providing day and overnight camp for more than 12,000 young people this summer.
Mental Health Grant Program	Initiated during the pandemic, these grants support the mental health and wellness of young people and the adults who work with them. Priorities include clinical supports, staff training, curriculum development, and resources that strengthen staff well-being.	$150,000 was granted to 19 partner organizations this summer.
Camp Opportunity Fund	This program provides access to camp for youth experiencing homelessnes. Shelters and camps work together to connect young people with camp experiences that match their interests, helping to make summer a time of connection, opportunity, and joy.	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. It was critical for us to bring in that position as a full-time role, given the levels of youth mental health challenge and burnout that we've seen since Covid. "

Summer Fund Partner,

Impact of Mental Health Grant

Interested in applying?

Please review our eligibility criteria and requirements at the link below. If you have questions, we’re happy to help.

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