Summer Youth Program Fund

about the summer youth program fund

Every year, grants from the Summer Youth Program Fund support hundreds of free or low-cost enrichment programs for Marion County youth ages 4 to 24 known collectively as Indy Summer Youth Programs.

SYPF serves approximately 50,000 Marion County youth every year—that’s about 19% of all Marion Co. residents aged 4 to 24!
$60 million in funds granted since 1995
240 programs funded for 2024

Whether you’re currently a grant-seeker, a grantee, or a funder, SYPF makes things easier every step of the way thanks to a collaborative philanthropic process:

Youth-serving groups apply just once a year to access nine different potential funders, including some of Central Indiana’s largest philanthropies.
Those funders collaborate to fulfill as many requests as possible. In fact, most qualified applicants receive some level of funding.
Funders review these applications and choose which ones to support. And they can be assured their grant has made a positive impact thanks to a Final Report that each awardee prepares at the end of the season.

Watch this video to learn more about the Summer Youth Program Fund.

apply for summer 2025

CICF uses SmartSimple for its Summer Youth Program Fund application process. This guide walks you through the process of setting up an account. For additional technical assistance, contact GrantSupport@cicf.org. To start an application, click here. Applications for summer 2025 will be accepted Monday, August 19 through Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 at 1 p.m.

If you have questions about your application or SmartSimple, use the following resources:

If you need further information, please contact Indianapolis Foundation Community Leadership Officer Leah Nahmias at LeahN@cicf.org.

To receive annual notifications for the opening of the grant cycle, register here.

Timeline for 2024 grantees

IMPORTANT DATE	ACTION/DEADLINE
Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 at 8 a.m.	Application for 2024 funding opens.
Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.	An orientation and optional grant clinic will take place in the morning at Ivy Tech Culinary & Conference Center. View the full agenda and RSVP.
Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 at noon	Completed applications for 2024 funding must be submitted by 12pm.
Week of February 4-9, 2024	Applicants notified.
May – August 2024	Summer youth programs take place.
Monday, Sept. 30, 2024	Final reports for 2024 programs due by 5pm.

Timeline for 2025 grantees

IMPORTANT DATE	ACTIVITY
Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, 8 a.m.	Application for 2025 funding opens
TBD	Orientation
Week of Feb. 3-7, 2025	Applicants notified
May – August 2025	Summer youth programs take place
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, 5 p.m.	Final reports for 2024 programs due by 5 p.m.

AVAILABLE GRANTS

PROGRAM GRANTS

Program Grants can support costs such as staffing, program materials, healthy meals/ snacks, scholarships to lower registration costs, and more. Eligible organizations will be tax-exempt or have a fiscal sponsor.

Overview of funder priorities and what makes a strong proposal for this grant

CAPITAL GRANTS

The Lilly Endowment, Inc. makes special grants available for modest capital equipment purchases and projects.

Criteria and instructions for applying for SYPF Capital Grants will be available soon.
Please note: Capital Grant recipients must have received Summer Youth Program Fund grants in two of the last three years (in 2022, 2023, or 2024) and must also be a 2025 grant recipient.