April 21, 2023
Funding opportunity targeted to Orleans Parish youth program providers
NEW ORLEANS – United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) Thursday announced the 2023 Summer Impact Grant opportunity to continue its efforts to increase the number and quality of summer services for New Orleans children and youth.
ALICE Report research shows that more than two-thirds of youth in the city's most vulnerable neighborhoods are living in households that don’t earn enough to afford a basic household budget. These families are struggling to make ends meet and often unable to afford typical summertime enrichment activities for youth.
“After listening to residents in Orleans Parish last year, it’s clear that we must remain committed to expanding our investments in our young people across the city,” said Dr. Takeisha Davis, UWSELA Board of Trustees Chair. “We’re launching the Summer Impact Grant opportunity again to ensure these programs, and especially their participants, know United Way and our donors care about them and believe in their ability to create a brighter New Orleans.”
UWSELA will provide $100,000 in grants to youth-serving organizations for June and July – often a time of vulnerability for low-income youth due to the lack of daily school and supports provided in a school setting – to provide broadened supports like:
- Reduced program cost to families,
- Increased behavioral health supports,
- Expanded summer nutrition/meals,
- Expanded hours or duration of programming, and more.
Interested existing summer programs must operate in Orleans Parish, align with the New Orleans Youth Master Plan, and focus on serving young people of color, ages 11 to 24, living below the ALICE Threshold. UWSELA will give priority to small, BIPOC-led eligible nonprofits.
Successful implementation of the grants will help close the achievement gap, improve health outcomes, reduce crime, and scale summer programs in underserved neighborhoods.
Grant applications must be submitted electronically by May 11, 2023, by 11:59 p.m. Notification of grant awards – ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 – will be e-mailed by May 30, 2023.
UWSELA will host an informational workshop and networking event via Zoom on Wednesday, April 26, at 9 a.m. to answer questions about the application forms and process and offer a chance for summer program providers to convene and coordinate activities.
Review the complete list of requirements and apply online at UnitedWaySELA.org/2023SummerGrants.
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About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For nearly 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.