Youth Funding Opportunities

2025 – 2026 Youth Program Funding Opportunities

The Rensselaer County Department for Youth is now accepting applications for the 2025 – 2026 funding year October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Funding is provided by New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to support non-profit organizations that provide youth services to the targeted population in disadvantaged areas of the county. 

 Eligibility
Applicants are advised to review the Guidelines/Application Instructions for each funding stream for details on eligibility and requirements.

Eligibility
Completed application packages must be submitted both:
        ***Please do not convert the forms to a PDF file***

1.    By email to: Debbie Fleming @ dfleming@rensco.com
           Rensselaercountycoatsforkids@gmail.com  if you are using Google Doc’s 

2.    A hard copy (sealed envelope) by Friday, September 30, 2025, no later than 6:00 PM addressed to:

Rensselaer County Department for Youth
Attn: Debbie Fleming
99 Troy Road
East Greenbush, NY 12161

Please note: Rensselaer County is not responsible for delays with USPS, UPS, FedEx, or other delivery services. Applicants must ensure their materials are received by the deadline.

Funding Stream Available:

Youth Development Programs (YDP)
Youth Sports Education Funds (YSEF)
Youth Team Sports (YTS – Competitive)

Eligible applicants may apply for one or more of the funding opportunities. Entities applying for more than one funding opportunity must submit a separate application package for each grant. Sports funding requires an additional form OCFS 5011. 

If you have questions and need assistance contact: 

Contact Debbie Fleming 
Office Phone: 518-266-7501
Email: dfleming@rensco.com

Application Requirements for each funding stream below: 

Important:  
Applications that do not include all required forms and additional documentation, will not be considered. Please review the requirements carefully before submission.

Youth Development Program (YDP)

Guidelines/Application Instructions Youth Development Program (PDF)
Application Packet: Do not use any previous forms with a different revised date

Rensselaer County Application Cover Letter (DOC)
OCFS-5001 Individual Program Application (Rev.10/2023) (DOC)
OCFS-5002 Agency Program Profile (Rev. 1/2024) (DOC)
OCFS-5003 Individual Program Application (Rev. 1/2024) (DOC)
OCFS-5003 Coding Document (PDF)
OCFS-5005 Program Budget (08/2025) (DOC) or an Itemized Line-Item Program Budget 
Instructions are included with each form.

Youth Sports and Education Funding (YSEF)

Guidelines/Application Instructions Youth Sports and Education Funding (PDF)
Application Packet: Do not use any previous forms with a different revised date

Rensselaer County Application Cover Letter (DOC)
OCFS-5001 Individual Program Application (Rev.10/2023) (DOC)
OCFS-5002 Agency Program Profile (Rev. 1/2024) (DOC)
OCFS-5003 Individual Program Application (Rev. 1/2024) (DOC)
OCFS-5003 Coding Document (PDF)
OCFS-5005 Program Budget (08/2025) (DOC) or an Itemized Line-Item Program Budget
OCFS–5011 form (09/2023)  (DOC)
Instructions are included with each form.

Youth Team Sports Competitive (YTS)

Guidelines/Application Instructions Youth Team Sports (PDF)
Application Packet: Do not use any previous forms with a different revised date

Rensselaer County Application Cover Letter (DOC)
OCFS-5001 Individual Program Application (Rev.10/2023) (DOC)
OCFS-5002 Agency Program Profile (Rev. 1/2024) (DOC)
OCFS-5003 Individual Program Application (Rev. 1/2024) (DOC)
OCFS-5003 Coding Document (PDF)
OCFS-5005 Program Budget (08/2025) (DOC) or an Itemized Line-Item Program Budget
OCFS–5011 form (09/2023)  (DOC)
Instructions are included with each form.

Helpful Documents to assist with the applications:

Positive Features of Youth Development for - 5002 (PDF)
Completing the 8 Features – Comparing Good and Poor Examples - 5002 (PDF)
OCFS Coding Document – 5003 (PDF)
2026 Insurance and Exemption Guidelines Rensselaer County Contracts with COI examples (PDF)
Annual Performance Report (XLS)
Directions for Annual Performance Report (PDF)
OCFS Claim Forms Workbook (XLS)

Funding Announcements: Approved programs will be notified in writing by mail.