05/05/2022
United Way, BCM announce Summer Impact Grants
Funding opportunity open to Orleans Parish summer program providers
United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA), in partnership with Baptist Community Ministries (BCM), Thursday announced the 2022 Summer Impact Grant opportunity to expand and deepen summer services for New Orleans children and youth.
“United Way’s Blueprint for Prosperity, our plan to tackle poverty, calls for proactive collaboration to create the critical impact necessary to address systemic problems and disparities that keep holding our city’s youth back,” said Michael Williamson, UWSELA president and CEO. “We’re grateful to partner with BCM again on this urgent effort to align and bolster summer programming at a time when it’s needed most.”
UWSELA and BCM will allocate $500,000 to youth-serving organizations to increase education, health, and workforce supports over the summer months – often a time of vulnerability for low-income youth due to the lack of daily school and supports provided in a school setting.
Interested existing summer programs must operate in Orleans Parish, align with the New Orleans Youth Master Plan, and focus on serving young people of color, ages 11 to 24, living below the ALICE Threshold.
Over 68% of youth in the city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods live in households below the threshold, representing the minimum income level necessary for survival. Their families cannot afford a barebones survival budget, including housing, food, transportation, child care, health care, and essential technology.
“BCM is dedicated to creating a healthy and safe place for everyone in our community to not only live, but thrive. Our city’s youth deserve safe, supportive environments year-round, but that need becomes all the more critical over the summer months,” said Slade Simons, Baptist Community Ministries (BCM) Board Chair. “BCM is excited to partner with United Way of Southeast Louisiana in expanding the capacity of summer programs to meet the needs of some of our city’s most vulnerable youth.”
Successful implementation of the grants will help close the achievement gap, improve health outcomes, reduce crime, and scale summer programs in underserved neighborhoods.
Grant applications must be submitted electronically by May 19, 2022, by 4 p.m. Notification of grant awards – ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 – will be e-mailed by May 26, 2022.
Review the complete list of requirements and apply online at UnitedWaySELA.org/2022-Summer-Grants.
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About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For nearly 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.
About Baptist Community Ministries (BCM)
Baptist Community Ministries (BCM) is a 26-year-old private foundation providing philanthropic services and promoting the health and well-being of our community members in the Greater New Orleans area. BCM partners with local nonprofits and other organizations in an effort to build a healthier community and has awarded over $220 million in grants since inception. In addition, BCM provides direct services through two operating divisions – Chaplaincy Services and Congregational Wellness. By doing so, BCM is able to extend its reach deeper into the community to help those in need. Learn more at www.bcm.org. Find us on social: @bcmnola.