Serve DC Announces FRESH Summer of Service 2015 Mini-Grants

(Washington, DC) − Serve DC launched the FRESH Summer of Service mini-grant opportunity to engage young people 5-20 years of age, particularly those in targeted Police Service Areas of the District, in service during the summer months. The mini grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are being sponsored by Serve DC - The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism, in collaboration with the Corporation for National and Community Service. Grant guidelines can be viewed on our website at http://serve.dc.gov/summer-of-service. Applications must be received no later than June 15, 2015 at 5:00pm for consideration. All projects and programs must be held between June 29, 2015 through September 30, 2015.

“Without exposure to constructive activities, summer can be a difficult time for young people” said Kristal Knight, Executive Director/Chief Service Officer for Serve DC. “According to recent research, youth who are involved in their communities through service do better in school, engage in fewer risky behaviors, have a better sense of themselves, and feel more empowered to make a difference in their own lives than youth who do not participate in volunteer activities. Knight continued, through the Summer of Service initiative, Serve DC seeks to recognize the potential of all youth to contribute in meaningful ways to the communities in which they live through volunteer service.” The purpose of the funding is to support organizations engaging youth in activities that focus on one of six designated focus areas to increase awareness of community service in the designated target areas of service, engage youth in productive summer programming and create pathways to service as a sustainable solution to some of the community’s most pressing needs. Designated Focus Areas:

• Disaster Services
• Education
• Healthy Futures
• Economic Opportunity
• Environmental Stewardship
• Veterans and Military Families

Existing programs and projects must focus on and take place in the specific Police Service Areas (PSA) listed below. Please visit http://mpdc.dc.gov/page/police-districts-and-police-service-areas to identify the designated PSA’s:

• PSA 404
• PSA 506
• PSA 602
• PSA 704
• PSA 407
• PSA 507
• PSA 604
• PSA 705

  Serve DC – The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism is the District of Columbia Government agency dedicated to promoting service as an innovative, sustainable solution to pressing social challenges. Serve DC supports communities across the District through federal grant funds from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).   For more information about the Summer of Service mini-grant opportunities and online application visit www.serve.dc.gov or contact servedc.info@dc.gov for more information.