MAYVILLE, N.Y. — The Chautauqua County Youth Bureau is looking to expand opportunities for young people to experience the many benefits of youth sports, including teamwork, leadership, physical activity and personal growth.
The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services (DMHSS) is pleased to announce the availability of funding through The Office for Children and Family Services (OCFS) to support youth sports programming for under-resourced children and youth ages 6 to 17.
For the purposes of this funding opportunity, the following program/service areas have been identified as priorities.
Youth Sports Education Funding (YSEF) – Programs that enable youth to be active and encourage physical fitness. OCFS encourages a wide and flexible definition of sports programs that includes organized activities with movement, including physical fitness activities such as, but not limited to yoga, hiking, dance, and active outdoor pursuits.
Youth Team Sports (YTS) – Programs that support an organized physical activity. OCFS defines “team sport” as an organized physical activity in which groups of two or more individuals compete with two or more opposing individuals. Sporting activities where individuals engage in competition on behalf of an organized group including, but not limited to, team tennis, team golf, or racing sports such as swimming or skiing, are included in this definition.
Eligible applicants must be from interested non-profit community-based organizations, cities, towns, and villages within Chautauqua County with a federal identification number and charity registration number. The grant will run during the program year October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that will help increase access to quality athletic and recreational programs, reduce barriers to participation and promote positive youth development throughout Chautauqua County. The grant may be used to fund programming that provides opportunities for youth in under-resourced communities. Program costs can include the following:
• Coaches/instructors/direct service staff/mentors (including training/professional development)
• Referee fees
• Scholarships
• Purchase of equipment or uniforms
• Infrastructure Improvements (e.g., swimming facilities, fields, fences, storage, lighting).
• Instruction or coaching necessary to support youth’s ability to participate in team sports.
• Facility/field space
By investing in youth sports, Chautauqua County is strengthening opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop healthy habits, and connect with their communities in meaningful ways.
The application period for the Youth Sports grant begins June 9th and closes July 9th at 3:30 p.m. The Request for Proposal (RFP), which outlines all criterion, is available online at chautauquacountyny.gov/YouthGrantFunds, it may also be requested by emailing kimballn@chqgov.com. Funding decisions and awards will be based upon New York State Office of Children and Family (OCFS) guidelines.
