Hollister
– San Benito Youth Services is accepting grant applications from
organizations and people who could use a little extra cash to help
serve local children and teens.
Hollister – San Benito Youth Services is accepting grant applications from organizations and people who could use a little extra cash to help serve local children and teens.
“We think we’ll have more applicants than usual this year, but we’ll just have to see,” President Mark Steele said.
On Saturday the nonprofit held its Ridgemark Rumble fundraising event, netting a little more than $2,000 toward the grant pool.
Youth Services is asking for other nonprofits that could use some financial assistance next year to come forward.
“In the past we’ve usually been able to give them what they ask for, as long as they meet all of our requirements,” Steele said.
In the last decade, Steele estimates about 25 nonprofits and individuals have benefited from Youth Services grants, and the organization receives around a dozen applications annually.
The grants run anywhere from $200 to $500 for individuals, or as much as $2,000 for organizations.
“Two thousand is probably our maximum gift, but it depends on what it’s for,” Steele said.
Funds are available to organizations that offer counseling, job readiness or after-school tutoring for children, or provide opportunities in the arts or other activities generally designed to keep kids off the street.
Past beneficiaries include the local YMCA, the San Benito Stage Company and the Friends of the Library organization.
“One of our beneficiaries was the New Harvest Church,” Steele said. “We don’t fund the religion part of what they do, but they have an after-school program they offer students, so we were able to help with that.”
Individuals can also apply for smaller grants to help further their education.
“We can help people attend a seminar or workshop. There’s a woman who reads to children at the library in San Juan and we help her buy books and materials,” Steele said. “We’ve had people ask us to help pay for science camp; it was after the deadline, but we would have. That sort of thing is fine.”
Anyone can apply as long as their organization or services do not discriminate or refuse services based on age, gender, disability, ethnic origin, race, religion or sexual orientation/identity. The grant funds also can’t be used for fundraising events or to pay off debts.
Applications are due Dec. 2 and recipients will be announced in mid-December. For more information call 784-4412.
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected].
