Apply to Youth United
Our Community Fund provides grants for nonprofits that address pressing local needs – and help fortify them so Park City thrives.

The 2026 Youth United grant application period opens on Monday, January 12, 2026, and closes on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Youth United awards grants to local organizations dedicated to creating equitable access to sports, recreation, and extracurricular activities, prioritizing increased Latinx and BIPOC participation to reflect the diversity of our community. Our mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to actively engage, belong, and thrive through these enriching experiences.
Grant ApplicationInvestment + Activities + Friends = Community & Belonging
Youth United is our program that offers school-age children and teens in Park City and Summit County access to sports, recreation, clubs, camps, and extracurricular activities.
At the Pre-K-8th grade level, Youth United kids participate in everything from soccer, skiing, boxing, and mountain biking to dance and theater. At the high school level, teens take part in everything offered at Park City High School, like basketball, cheerleading, debate, Model UN, and more. Through these experiences, kids from all backgrounds become friends and feel a sense of accomplishment and belonging.
Impacting Kids Throughout Summit County
Youth United is for Latina/o/x kids, BIPOC kids, and kids of any background who are navigating any financial constraints. It's for kids who would like to try something new or develop expertise in a sport or activity. It's for the hardworking families of our community so they can know their children have opportunities. No one is turned away.
Youth United has successfully grown Latino student participation in sports and recreation up to 18%, which more accurately reflects our local demographics. The participants' families are also connected to important community resources, like healthcare, legal support, and housing.
Youth United Grant Guidelines
Background
Youth United awards grants to local organizations dedicated to creating equitable access to sports, recreation, and extracurricular activities, prioritizing increased Latinx and BIPOC participation to reflect the diversity of our community.
We envision a Park City where every child has equitable access to sports, recreation, and extracurricular activities, fostering engagement, connection, and belonging. Youth United, an initiative of Park City Community Foundation, builds on the legacy of the Solomon Fund and RISE Fund to expand opportunities for children and teens across Park City and Summit County.
Youth United addresses systemic barriers to participation, including financial constraints, communication gaps, lack of equipment, and cultural inclusion. By breaking down these obstacles, we aim to create a more inclusive and connected community. Our ultimate goal is to align extracurricular participation with the diverse demographics of our local schools, achieving at least 20% representation of Latinx and BIPOC youth in local programs.
Purpose
Youth United tackles the barriers that prevent equitable access for families, including communication and outreach challenges, financial limitations, lack of necessary gear, and the need for cultural inclusion. While Park City Community Foundation staff are working to address these challenges, we recognize there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
2026 Youth United Grants Timeline
Monday, January 12: Grant applications open
Tuesday, January 27, 4 pm MST: Optional virtual information session for grant applicants. Register in advance for this meeting.
Friday, February 13: Application deadline at 11:59 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18: Applicants notified of status
Youth United Steering Committee
The Youth United Steering Committee, composed of community members and at least one Park City Community Foundation board member, evaluates grant applications and allocates funding in alignment with the Board-approved budget.
Park City Community Foundation staff prepare applications for committee review and facilitate evaluation and follow-up processes, ensuring clear communication with applicants and grantees.
For questions, contact:
- José Chacón (jose@parkcitycf.org / 801-657-0106)
- Minda Boland (minda@parkcitycf.org / 505-681-0991)
Grant Amounts
Grants typically range from $1,000 to $25,000, depending on available funding, the scope of the request, and the potential impact of the project or program. Funding may be distributed in a single installment or multiple disbursements.
Types of Support
Funding may support:
- Scholarships: For youth participation in activities and programs.
- Equipment and Gear: To ensure equitable access to activities.
- Program Costs: Staff, operations, and outreach activities.
- Collaborative Applications: Joint submissions from multiple organizations are encouraged.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Serve residents of Summit County (priority is given to organizations based in and primarily serving Summit County).
- Qualify as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or operate under a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status.
- Demonstrate clear commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Submit one application per organization or collaborative partnership per grant cycle.
Organizations operating outside of these requirements may contact the Park City Community Foundation for guidance and potential eligibility exceptions.
For Park City High School teams, clubs, extracurriculars, and other affiliated programs, please reach out to Junior Vieyra (junior@parkcitycf.org / 435-714-2820)
Restrictions
Grants will not fund:
- Debt reduction or past operating deficits
- Sponsorships or one-time events
- Fellowships, loans, litigation, or grants to individuals
- Political campaigns or activities promoting religious doctrine
- Endowment funds or graduate research
Community Foundation’s Grantmaking Due Diligence Policy
The Community Foundation will not make grants to organizations known to support, or who engage in activities, or who publish language that incites or engages in violence, intimidation, harassment, threats, or defamation targeting an individual or group based on their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical or mental ability. These activities are contrary to Community Foundation’s mission and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Review Criteria
The Steering Committee will use the following criteria to review applications. These criteria are not exclusive, and the committee and staff reserve the right to use their own best judgment when making final grant awards.
Grant applications are evaluated based on:
- Youth Access: Demonstrated impact on increasing equitable access for Latinx and/or underrepresented youth.
- Strategic Approach: Realistic goals, timelines, and plans for execution.
- Potential Impact: Clear short- and long-term benefits for youth and the community.
- Inclusive Practices: Applications describe one or more of the following best practices:
- Spanish-speaking staff or Latinx representation in their organization;
- Spanish communications and registration available for families;
- Strong direct relationship with Latinx families;
- Programming decisions informed by members of the Latinx community.
- Project Budget: Clear alignment of expenses with goals to increase equitable access.
Application Requirements
- Project Narrative (5,000 characters):
- How will the project increase Latinx and underrepresented youth participation?
- Description of the project, including timeline, staffing, and additional funding sources.
- How will the project create inclusive spaces that foster belonging and encourage friendships?
- Intended Outcomes (1,000 characters):
- Inputs (resources and investments).
- Outputs (e.g., the number of participants impacted, the length and number of sessions).
- Outcomes (impact on youth and your organization, beyond the numbers).
- Inclusive Practices (1,000 characters):
- Inclusive practices in place (e.g., Spanish-speaking staff, bilingual materials, community partnerships).
- Challenges, roadblocks, or support needed to strengthen inclusive efforts.
- Additional Documentation:
- Project Budget
- Completed W9 Form (if applicant is a for-profit entity)
- Project Narrative (5,000 characters):
Publicity Guidelines
Grant recipients must acknowledge support by including the Youth United logo and the following statement in promotional materials: “This program is supported by a grant from Youth United of Park City Community Foundation.”
For logo files or guidance, contact Minda Boland (minda@parkcitycf.org).
How to Apply
Apply online at Grant Interface.
For technical assistance, contact Minda Boland (minda@parkcitycf.org / 505-681-0991). For program-specific inquiries, contact José Chacón (jose@parkcitycf.org / 801-657-0106).
Youth United addresses systemic barriers to participation, including financial constraints, communication gaps, lack of equipment, and cultural inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit a Youth United Grant application?
All organizations wishing to apply for a Youth United Grant can apply via our online grant management portal. The link to apply is: grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=parkcitycf.
What are key elements of the grant application?
Please see the Review Criteria on the Grant Guidelines to learn what should be included. The application should include items such as the need being met, strategy to meet the need, goals/outcomes, future plans beyond the grant period, mention of any partner organizations, and the amount requested. It is helpful to emphasize why the proposed activities matter and what drives the passion of the organization to want to undertake these activities.
What makes a strong grant proposal?
It’s important to follow the application guidelines. Beyond that, it’s important to ensure that the potential impact of the grant is well spelled out. How can you quantify impact? What benefits will children and/or families gain from the proposed activity? It’s helpful if the project budget spells out what the Youth United grant would cover versus what other funds will cover.
How many organizations submit applications, and how many then receive grants?
In 2025, 27 organizations received grants. The final number of grants awarded in 2025 is likely to be similar to last year. We welcome all new applicants to apply.
How much should we request?
Grants will generally fall in the $1,000 – $20,000 range, depending on the amount available for distribution, the request made by the organization, and the potential impact of the proposed activities. Grants may be paid in a single sum or in installments.
What is the purpose of grants from Youth United?
Youth United awards grants to local organizations dedicated to creating equitable access to sports, recreation, and extracurricular activities, prioritizing increased Latinx and BIPOC participation to reflect the diversity of our community. Our mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to actively engage, belong, and thrive through these enriching experiences. Key barriers to participation that have been identified include communication and outreach, cultural inclusion, and scholarships and gear.
Does the fund support competitive athletes?
The goal is to facilitate access to recreational sports and other activities. The fund does not intend to support competitive or elite athletes.
What are examples of past grants?
- Park City Soccer Club received a grant to increase Latinx participation in a soccer camp, which led to increased participation in their other programs/teams.
- Park City Ninja Kids received support to enable their students to test into a new belt.
- Youth Sports Alliance received a grant to support and expand its Get Out & Play program, which introduces elementary children to a variety of sports.
Does Youth United help organizations in other ways, beyond grants?
Park City Community Foundation staff working on Youth United actively help organizations recruit participants to their programs. Assistance includes things like translation, direct outreach to families, in-person registration events, and other activities. Organizations do not have to receive a grant in order to benefit from this type of non-grant support. Organizations interested in non-grant support should send an inquiry to Sarah MacCarthy (sarah@parkcitycf.org).
What barriers have proved hardest to address?
Youth United has had a lot of success addressing communication/outreach and facilitating scholarships and gear. Any or all of the three barriers may be addressed in an application for a Youth United grant. Organizations may also focus on one or more other barriers, beyond these three.
Who reviews the proposals?
The Youth United Steering Committee reviews the grants and makes funding decisions based on the Park City Community Foundation Board’s approved budget.
Would a summer day camp or overnight camp program be eligible?
Either could be considered. It’s helpful to understand the cost per participant, though a program with a deep impact may be strongly considered even if it has a high cost per participant.
How might a Youth United grant be leveraged to encourage other funding?
Some past recipients of Youth United grants have used the grant as a match to encourage their regular donors to give toward additional scholarships for children. Other grant makers might also be interested in knowing that Youth United has supported a particular organization or project.
Should programs be free or low-cost to participants?
Both options are acceptable—the primary goal is to expand access for youth, regardless of their economic circumstances. Most programs collaborating with Youth United do charge at least a low participation fee, which can help ensure attendance. Most programs offer fee discounts of somewhere between 70% and 90%. Even low fees are sometimes waived by our partners in very specific circumstances.
What counts as “recreation?”
In addition to sports, other types of recreation may be considered. The key is a focus on children in grades pre-K through 12 gaining opportunities to participate in activities that help create a more inclusive community, in which all kids can play, learn, and be active together.
Could a request for technology improvements be funded, such as for a new registration system?
The critical question is how proposed uses of funds would increase participation of Latinx and BIPOC youth in sports and recreation. If a new registration system is critical to that purpose, it could be considered. It’s acceptable for proposed activities to have other side benefits – for example, by making registration easier for all children – but the application should make clear how the activities support the particular goals of Youth United.
More questions? Please visit the Community Fund Grants Application page on our application platform.