Ulster County Youth Bureau Funding Now Open for Local Programs |
OCFS reimbursement grants support free sports, arts, and mentorship across the county |
The Ulster County Youth Bureau is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 OCFS Reimbursement Grant program, a funding stream that keeps youth sports, arts, and mentorship programs running in towns across the county.
Administered through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the grants reimburse local nonprofits and municipalities that offer free youth development programming. From Little League teams in Saugerties to summer art camps in the Rondout Valley, the money flows back to the organizations that deliver it.
What the Grants Cover
Eligible programs include recreational sports leagues, educational enrichment, leadership clubs, and community arts initiatives. The key requirement: programming must be free or low-cost and open to Ulster County residents. Youth Bureau staff are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for in-person, phone, or email support.
Contact Ulster County Youth Bureau Director at (845) 334-5264 or mriv@ulstercountyny.gov for application guidance. The bureau is located at 10 Development Court, Suite 601, Kingston.
Why it Matters
For families stretched thin, these grants are the reason a kid can join a soccer team or attend a coding workshop without the registration fee becoming a barrier. The reimbursement model rewards organizations that already do the work — and encourages new ones to start.
Website: ulstercountyny.gov/Youth-Bureau |
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Does anyone know if homeschool co-ops qualify? We run a free enrichment group out of Rosendale and this could be huge for us. Might just give the bureau a call.
rondout_momDefinitely worth calling them. The article says they're available Monday through Friday during business hours and are pretty helpful with the application questions. Good luck, I hope it works out for your group!
The reimbursement model is tricky for smaller groups though. You have to spend the money first and then wait to get paid back. Not every volunteer-run club has that kind of cash flow upfront.
Tom WelkerThat's a really valid point. We looked into applying a couple years ago and the upfront cost was the thing that stopped us. Would be great if the county offered some kind of bridge funding for smaller groups.
Did not know the Youth Bureau was even located in Kingston on Development Court. Might stop in next week to ask about a mentorship program we have been trying to get off the ground in the Rondout Valley. Good timing on this.
Our little league in Saugerties has used this grant before and it made a real difference. Families around here can't always afford registration fees and equipment. Really glad they're opening applications again.
Patrice M.Same experience with our rec soccer group in Kingston. The fee waiver alone kept several kids on the team who would have had to drop out. Hope more organizations around the county apply this cycle.
The reimbursement model is a bit frustrating for smaller groups though. You have to spend the money first and then wait to get it back. Not every volunteer-run club has that kind of cash flow sitting around.
Our little league in Saugerties has gotten this funding before and it made a real difference. Families around here can't always afford registration fees so having it covered means kids actually get to play. Hope more coaches and organizers know this is available.