Recreation Mini Grants
City of Salem Youth Enrichment Trips Initiative
The City of Salem Youth Enrichment Trips Initiative provides mini-grants to eligible organizations to plan safe, structured, and meaningful trips for Salem youth.
The program is designed to expose young people to educational, cultural, recreational, environmental, and career-oriented opportunities beyond their immediate environment. It supports the City’s goals of reducing youth idle time, promoting youth development and mental wellness, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting violence prevention through positive engagement.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include organizations that serve Salem youth and can safely plan, supervise, and document youth trips.
Priority will be given to programs serving:
- Salem youth ages 3–18
- Underserved and at-risk youth
- Inclusive and accessible youth programs
Organizations must serve a minimum of 15 youth per trip and provide adult supervision. A 1:8 adult-to-youth ratio is recommended.
Eligible Trip Types
Trips must align with at least one of the following categories:
- Educational: Museums, colleges, STEM centers
- Career Exposure: Trade schools, job sites, workforce programs
- Recreational: Amusement parks, sports events, nature trips
- Cultural: Historical sites, arts performances, cultural institutions
- Environmental: Parks, conservation programs, kayaking, hiking
Funding Available
Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000 per trip.
Funds may be used for:
- Transportation
- Admission fees
- Meals, within reasonable limits
- Supplies
- Staffing support
- Coordinator stipend, up to $1,000, included in the total request
Administrative overhead fees are not permitted beyond the approved coordinator stipend.
Capacity-Building Requirement
Organizations with an annual operating budget under $100,000 will be required to participate in a capacity-building session before receiving funding.
This training is intended to support smaller organizations with planning, budgeting, compliance, reporting, and documentation.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Organization information
- Trip title, destination, and date
- Trip type
- Program description
- Number and age range of youth participants
- Youth impact statement
- Supervision and safety plan
- Transportation plan
- Budget request
- Community engagement information
- Signed certification that funds will be used for the approved purpose
After the Trip
Funded organizations must submit a Post-Trip Report within 14 days of the trip date. The report documents outcomes, accountability for public funds, success stories, and lessons for future planning.
The report must include:
- Participation summary
- Trip summary
- Impact statement
- Successes and challenges
- Future engagement plans
- Financial summary
- Supporting documentation, such as photos, testimonials, or flyers, when available
How to Apply
Complete the Youth Enrichment Trips Initiative application and submit all required materials to the City of Salem.