New funding opportunities to kick off 2026

As we kick off 2026, we're excited to share four funding opportunities that support afterschool and summer programs!

Community Collaboration Challenge | Deadline: January 16, 2026

Applications for the 2026 Community Collaboration Challenge are now open! With support from the Leon Lowenstein Foundation, the Challenge provides $5,000–$10,000 awards to communities and is designed to support collaboration that expands and pilots evidence-based K-12 student supports in the form of high-impact tutoring, mentoring, student success coaching, postsecondary transition coaching, and/or wraparound/integrated student supports.

We encourage nonprofits, schools, districts, higher education institutions, and state and local government agencies and intermediaries to apply by January 16 at 5:00 p.m. ET for these awards to facilitate collaboration and expand or improve evidence-based, people-powered supports for local K-12 students. Learn more about the Community Collaboration Challenge.

The 826 Write to Thrive Fund | Deadline: January 22, 2026

826 National Youth Writing is excited to invite eligible youth-serving organizations and schools to apply for grants of $20,000 through the Write to Thrive Fund. This initiative connects programs with 826 National’s writing-and-SEL curriculum and training, strengthening their capacity to support young people’s creative expression, mental health, and well-being. 

Selected partners will receive:

• $20,000 in grant funding
• A flexible, writing-based workshop series centered on reflection, creativity, and care
• Facilitator resources, training, and a short curriculum guide from 826 National

Before you begin your application, please take a moment to ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria. The deadline to apply is January 22, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PST (January 23, 2:59 a.m. ET). Learn more about this grant opportunity and apply now! 

The 2026 Aim High Grant Program: Grants for Middle School OST Programs | Deadline: February 6, 2026

The New York Life Foundation is seeking applications from afterschool, summer, and expanded learning programs serving underserved middle-school youth. In total, $800,000 in grants will be awarded to programs across the country. This is the tenth year of the Foundation’s Aim High grant competition, bringing the total amount awarded to $14.5 million. 40 grants will be awarded nationwide—take a look to see if this opportunity is a good fit for you and apply today!

Grant funds are for general operating expenses. Applicants will need to describe how programs support youth in the transition to the ninth grade.

Join our webinar on January 15 to learn more about this opportunity. Applications are due February 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET. Learn more about this grant application, view the RFP, and submit your application here.

We look forward to receiving your application, and good luck! Please feel free to reach out to the Afterschool Alliance at aimhigh@afterschoolalliance.org if you have any questions. 

Mott Million Dollar Challenge | Deadline: February 27, 2026

Kids and teens everywhere have world-changing ideas that deserve the spotlight, and the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is their chance to shine. This national pitch competition invites K-12 students to submit a simple 30-90 second video sharing an idea that betters their very own school, home, or community.

Students can enter individually or in teams of up to three, and $1 million in prizes will be awarded across the competition! Submissions are due February 27, 2026.

Supported by funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is powered by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) in collaboration with VentureLab, Young Entrepreneur Institute (YEI), the Afterschool Alliance, and Collaborative Communications.

Learn more at mottmillion.org.