A guide to grants for after-school programs and out-of-school time, federal 21st Century funding, state programs, foundations, and corporate support.
After-school programs have a strong federal funding base through 21st Century Community Learning Centers, plus substantial state support, foundation funding, and corporate giving.
TL;DR
- Who funds after-school? ED 21st CCLC, state OST programs, DOL Workforce Pathways for Youth, DOJ youth programs, foundations, community foundations.
- Who can apply? Nonprofits, school districts, community-based organizations, partnerships.
- What gets funded? Academic enrichment, STEM, arts, mentoring, summer learning, college access, family engagement.
Federal Funding
21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) through ED, state pass-through.
DOL Workforce Pathways for Youth and related youth workforce funding.
ACF for at-risk youth services, see grants for new nonprofits for fiscal sponsorship as relevant.
DOJ OJJDP for youth violence prevention and youth services.
State Funding
Many states fund out-of-school time independently of federal programs. Subscribe to your state education or HHS notifications.
Foundation Funders
- Wallace Foundation (afterschool and arts).
- Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
- JPB Foundation.
- Edna McConnell Clark Foundation (historic).
- Local community foundations.
Corporate Funders
- Walmart Foundation.
- Target.
- Local banks and employers.
What Gets Funded
- Academic support and tutoring.
- STEM enrichment, see grants for STEM education.
- Arts and humanities.
- Mentoring.
- College and career access.
- Summer programs.
- Family engagement.
Tips for a Competitive Application
- Show partnership with schools.
- Use evidence-based youth-development practices.
- Address attendance, dosage, and engagement seriously.
- Plan for sustainability beyond grant cycles.
How Grantboost Helps
Grantboost continuously surfaces after-school funding across federal, state, foundation, and corporate sources, with drafts in your organization’s voice (see training AI on your past proposals).
Read next:
- Department of Education Grants
- Grants for STEM Education
- Top 10 High School Grants Worth Applying for in 2025
Further Reading
- ED 21st Century Community Learning Centers
- Afterschool Alliance
- Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
- Grants.gov (federal funding portal)
Disclaimer: Grant programs, eligibility rules, deadlines, and policies vary by region and change frequently. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current rules in your area. Always consult a local grant writer or qualified expert in your region for advice specific to your organization, project, and jurisdiction.