Recreation Mini Grants
Salem Youth Development & Family Engagement Mini-Grant Program
Contact
The City of Salem is seeking proposals from community organizations, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, faith-based institutions, schools, and community partners to support youth-centered programming throughout Salem City and Salem County.
This initiative is designed to activate neighborhoods, expand positive youth opportunities, strengthen family engagement, and reduce community violence through recreation, enrichment, mentorship, education, and community-building activities.
The program is part of Salem’s broader collective impact strategy focused on youth development, violence prevention, community healing, and neighborhood revitalization. This demonstration project is intended to serve as a collaborative learning model between the City of Salem and community partners. By documenting outcomes, identifying lessons learned, and refining strategies over time, the initiative aims to build a stronger and more sustainable framework for youth development, violence prevention, and neighborhood engagement in Salem.
Program Vision
We envision a vibrant and united Salem where youth and families are supported, neighborhoods are activated, and community organizations work together to create safe and meaningful opportunities for residents.
The Salem Youth Development & Family Engagement Mini-Grant Program aims to:
- Increase safe and positive youth activities
- Expand access to enrichment opportunities
- Strengthen neighborhood engagement
- Build organizational capacity among grassroots groups
- Reduce barriers to participation for families
- Promote community wellness and violence prevention
- Encourage collaboration among local organizations
Eligible Activities
Funding may support programs such as:
- Play Streets events
- Family fun nights
- Sports and recreation programming
- Arts and music events
- Educational workshops
- Youth leadership activities
- STEM and career exposure trips
- College visits
- Environmental education experiences
- Community resource fairs
- Wellness and mental health activities
- Cultural celebrations
- Neighborhood beautification activities tied to youth engagement
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Faith-based organizations
- Schools and educational groups
- Neighborhood associations
- Youth-serving organizations
- Community groups
- Civic organizations
Applicants must demonstrate an active and meaningful presence in Salem County.
Examples of demonstrating presence may include:
- Prior programming in Salem County
- Partnerships with local organizations
- Serving Salem County residents
- Local volunteers or leadership
- Community engagement history
Preference may be given to organizations serving Salem City youth and families.
Funding Available
Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000 per trip.
Funding awards will depend on:
- Program scope
- Number of participants
- Community impact
- Budget reasonableness
- Organizational capacity
Post-Event Reporting Requirements
- Attendance Documentation
- Financial Documentation
- Photos/Marketing Materials
- Program Summary
- Lessons Learned & Demonstration Project Feedback
Capacity Building Requirement
Organizations with an annual operating budget under $100,000 are required to participate in technical assistance and capacity-building support.
This requirement is intended to:
- Increase equitable access to funding
- Strengthen grassroots organizations
- Improve long-term sustainability
- Ensure successful implementation and reporting
Technical assistance may include:
- Budgeting support
- Event planning
- Reporting assistance
- Marketing and outreach
- Volunteer management
- Risk management
- Program development
- Organizational sustainability planning
Technical assistance may be provided in partnership with Salem Health and Wellness Foundation and other regional partners.
How to Apply
Complete the Salem Youth Development & Family Engagement Mini-Grant Program application and submit all required materials to the City of Salem.
Important Dates
- Application Release: May 27, 2026
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Award Notifications: June 10, 2026
- Program Launch Period: June 19, 2026
- Program Implementation Period: June – September 2026
- Final Reporting Deadline: September 30, 2026
- Application Review: Approximately 2 weeks