Westchester Opens Three Youth Funding Rounds

Westchester County’s Youth Bureau on Aug. 5 released three requests for proposals for 2026-2027 youth programming, opening state-backed funding rounds for youth development, team sports and sports-and-education programs. The county said the money comes through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and is aimed at services for children and teenagers across Westchester County. The opportunities are posted on the county’s press-release page, Youth Bureau site and procurement portal. The county’s RFP listings show all three proposals are due Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. ### Which three programs are open? The Aug. 5 county release names three separate rounds: Youth Development Programs, Youth Team Sports Programs, and Youth Sports & Education Programs. Westchester County said the three programs support youth-centered services tied to educational enrichment, leadership development, mentoring, health, wellness and community engagement. (westchestercountyny.gov) Youth Development Programs are aimed at “at-risk” youth ages 21 and under, according to the county procurement page. The Youth Team Sports round is for competitive team sports for underserved youth under age 18, while the Sports & Education round covers general, non-competitive sports programming for underserved youth ages 6 to 17. ### Who can apply for each round? Eligible applicants differ by program, according to the county’s Aug. 5 release. (westchestercountyny.gov) For Youth Development Programs, the county said eligible local nonprofits can apply. For Youth Team Sports, the county said eligible nonprofits and community-based organizations can respond. For Youth Sports & Education, the county said eligible local nonprofits, municipalities and local youth bureaus may apply. (rfp.westchestergov.com) The county’s Youth Bureau site says the bureau provides financial support and oversight for nonprofit agencies and organizations serving young people. The procurement portal says selected organizations will contract with the county to provide the funded services. ### How much money is attached to the proposals? Westchester County’s release lists different funding caps for the three categories. (westchestercountyny.gov) Youth Development applicants can seek up to $30,000, the county said. Youth Team Sports applicants can seek up to $50,000, and Youth Sports & Education applicants can seek up to $25,000. (youth.westchestercountyny.gov) The Sports & Education round covers programs such as yoga, hiking, dance and other active outdoor pursuits, according to the county procurement posting. The Youth Team Sports round is described as support for young people to learn and participate in team sports while incorporating the county’s youth-development framework. ### What kinds of services does the county say it wants? (westchestercountyny.gov) The county release lists suggested Youth Development areas including citizenship and civic engagement, mentoring, community service, career development, life skills, physical health, emotional well-being and out-of-school-time education support. The same release also mentions safe-harbor and anti-trafficking work, family supports, conflict resolution and restorative practices. (rfp.westchestergov.com) The Youth Development procurement page says the bureau organizes services around Positive Youth Development and the New York State Touchstones Framework. The page says the county is seeking programs that integrate youth voice, collaboration and evidence of effectiveness. ### When are the deadlines, and where are the forms? All three county procurement pages list Aug. 27, 2026, at 3 p.m. as the proposal deadline. (westchestercountyny.gov) The same listings show Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. as the clarification deadline for written questions. The county’s procurement portal includes the proposal documents, budget schedules, certifications and related forms for each round. Westchester County’s public RFP page says applicants should return to the portal before submitting materials to confirm the opportunity remains active and to review any newly posted documents. (rfp.westchestergov.com) ### Are there any named settings or groups the county highlighted? (rfp.westchestergov.com) Westchester County’s Aug. 5 release says detention facilities, residential runaway and homeless youth programs, and other congregate residential settings serving disconnected youth are strongly encouraged to apply for Sports & Education opportunities. The county said those settings can use the funding to offer activities to vulnerable youth. (rfp.westchestergov.com) Aug. 12 is the next date on the county’s calendar for these rounds, because that is the deadline to submit clarification questions. Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. is the proposal deadline listed on the county procurement pages for Youth Development, Youth Team Sports and Youth Sports & Education. (rfp.westchestergov.com) (westchestercountyny.gov)