Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced the Suffolk County Youth Bureau is accepting applications from nonprofit, community-based organizations to fund programs that provide Youth Team Sports (YTS) in Suffolk County. YTS is a funding stream created in the New York State Fiscal Year 2024 budget that appropriated funds to support team sports for underserved youth.

Applications for the Suffolk County Team Sports Grant program may not exceed $25,000 and must be received by May 8, 2024. Funding will be provided by the Suffolk County Youth Bureau via the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

Funding was created under the OCFS to provide awards to support youth team sports programs for underserved youth under the age of 18. The funding supports youth development through team sports programs. The funding, which will be allocated to the municipal youth bureaus, must be awarded to local community-based organizations and nonprofits.

The Suffolk County Youth Bureau will review and evaluate each proposal for cost-effectiveness, impact, and measurable outcomes. Funding decisions and awards will be based on guidelines established by New York State.

The bureau will also look to ensure each project serves a cross-section of youth from different age groups, including but not limited to, youth that are differently abled, youth from historically under-resourced communities or geographic areas in Suffolk County.

Youth Team Sports funding awards will be guided by the following principles:

• Educational Connection and Achievement
• Physical Health
• Mental Health and Well-Being
• Community Cohesion

For more information on the Suffolk County Team Sports Grant program, contact the Suffolk County Youth Bureau at SCOfficeofYouthServices@suffolkcountyny.gov or call 631-853-8269.