Kingston, NY - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein and Youth Bureau Director Evelyn Clarke announce that the Ulster County Youth Bureau is accepting applications for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Youth Development grants.  The Ulster County Youth Bureau administers the Youth Development Program (YDP) and Runaway & Homeless Shelter (RHYA) funding from OCFS and Ulster County to support youth programs. 

Although New York State funding amounts for the 2017 calendar year have not yet been determined, agencies and municipalities interested in receiving this funding are encouraged to apply.   Eligible agencies must be not-for-profit or community based organizations with federal identification or charities registration numbers.

In awarding funds, all 2017 applications are considered new and competitive, including formerly “automatically eligible” towns and municipalities. All YDP applicants will be applying competitively for the same pool of funds.   

Programs receiving YDP grants are funded up to 100 percent of approved expenses up to the allocated amount.  The amount of funding will be subject to the availability of annual State and County appropriations, which have not yet been made. 

Applications for these grants must be submitted online. Contact the Ulster County Youth Bureau at dzac[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us, to obtain the required forms and indicate “2017 Forms” in the subject line. Forms are also available from the Ulster County and OCFS websites at http://ulstercountyny.gov/youth-bureau and http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/youth/default.asp.    Applications are due no later than Friday, February 17, 2017.  For additional assistance or information please contact the Youth Bureau at (845) 334-5264.