Durham County opens $500,000 grant program for youth services
Does your organization support Durham’s young people? County grants of $40,000 to $50,000 are available, with applications due Nov. 16.
Wes Platt
Durham County is offering grants of $40,000 to $50,000 to help community organizations support young people, with applications due by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16.
The new Youth Services Grant Program has $500,000 available in the county’s 2026-27 budget. The county expects to fund 10 to 12 organizations serving Durham County residents ages 4 to 24.
County Manager Claudia Hager announced the opportunity in her Oct. 16 weekly message to residents.
“Even in a tight budget year, we remain committed to investing in Durham’s young people,” Hager wrote.
The funding is intended to help community groups address needs that county programs alone cannot fully meet. Hager said Durham County already operates more than 15 youth programs across several departments, covering areas such as education, workforce development, violence prevention, recreation, and health.
“With more than 73,000 young people in Durham County, their health, well-being, and success are essential to our community’s strength and growth,” she wrote.
Who can apply?
The competitive grant program is open to:
- Nonprofit organizations with active 501(c)(3) status.
- Community-based groups working with a fiscal sponsor that has active 501(c)(3) status.
Proposed projects must serve young people ages 4 to 24 in Durham County and address at least one of three areas:
- Social-emotional and mental health services.
- Enrichment and recreational activities.
- Academic support.
Organizations can submit projects that cover more than one category.
How to apply and learn more
Applications must be submitted through the county’s online application form by 5 p.m. Nov. 16.
The county’s Organizational Effectiveness Department will host two virtual information sessions to explain the application process and program requirements, and answer questions:
- 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4: Register for the afternoon session.
- 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5: Register for the evening session.
Hager encouraged interested organizations to review the full request for proposals for details about allowable expenses, the program timeline, selection criteria, and other requirements.
Questions about the grants can be directed to Julia Hedelman, senior management analyst in the Organizational Effectiveness Department, at jhedelman@dconc.gov.
Get Connected
- Send email to your neighborhood news guy: wes.platt@southpointaccess.news
- Follow on Threads.
- Connect on Instagram!
- Join our Discord community
- Join the Southpoint Access subreddit!
Wes Platt
🤝 Support Our Sponsors
Local journalism in South Durham survives thanks to the generous businesses and organizations that make this work possible. 🧭
By supporting these sponsors, you’re helping Southpoint Access continue to deliver trusted, hyperlocal news and resources for our community - from school updates to neighborhood stories that keep South Durham connected.
Want to become a sponsor? Sign up here!
💛 Shop local. Hire local. Support those who support Southpoint Access.
