Dane County Offers $23,650 for Programs to Keep Kids Out of Trouble

January 16, 2004
Dave Carlson, 242-6424 Sharyn Wisniewski, 267-8823
County Executive

Proposals are now being accepted for $23,650 in grant funding for programs in Dane County that help provide positive activities for youth, according to County Executive Kathleen Falk. Falk included the $23,650 in her 2004 Executive Budget, and the Dane County Youth Commission is coordinating the grant process. Grant requests must be received by January 26. “These grants develop innovative programs to give kids positive experiences and that keep them from using tobacco, alcohol and other drugs,” said Falk. The Commission will provide funding to nonprofit groups, municipalities and schools that propose innovative local grassroots programs and services that are intended to prevent the initial onset of youth problems. The Commission is especially interested in receiving proposals for programs that do any of the following: ¨ Increase the number of youth engaged community service projects; ¨ Increase the number of older youth who are mentoring or tutoring younger youth; ¨ Break down barriers and increase positive interaction among youth from different ethnic, geographic or social backgrounds; ¨ Increase opportunities and training for youth who want to be leaders in their schools and communities; or ¨ Enable youth to obtain part-time or summer jobs. “Involving kids in positive programs that help them develop skills is so important,” said Falk. “These programs will help to empower and educate kids and involve them in their community.” Individual grant requests should not exceed $3,000. A copy of the proposal form may be obtained by contacting Ron Biendseil at 242-6422 or send an email to biendseil@co.dane.wi.us. The proposal form is also available online at http://www.co.dane.wi.us/humanservices/youth/pg_rfp.htm ###