After School Grants

American Savings Foundation has funded high-quality after school programs since our first grants in 1996.  In 2005, we expanded this commitment with a strong focus on Middle School Youth in New Britain. This application is only for programs that meet the criteria detailed below.    

The American Savings Foundation also invests in a wide range of programs that support the needs of youth during out-of-school hours.  In school, out-of-school time, and summer programs that do not meet the after school program criteria below, and after-school programs outside of New Britain, must use our Program Grant Application

What We Fund

What We Fund

The Foundation believes that all middle-school youth deserve the opportunity to attend high-quality after-school programs that incorporate best practice standards and provide experiences that are challenging, nurturing, and fun.    

This application is for use only by programs that meet our criteria: 

  • Serve middle-school youth in New Britain.
  • Operate during the hours of 3pm to 6pm during the entire school year. Programs may take place in school buildings, or any community-based facility.
  • Conducts focused outreach to enroll, engage, and retain youth who will benefit the most from participation.

In school, out-of-school time, and summer programs that do not meet this criteria, and after-school programs outside of New Britain, must use our Program Grant Application. 

Best-Practice elements include:

  • operate 12 to 15 hours per; 3-5 days a week for the entire school year
  • track program attendance to show youth participate on a consistent basis (at least 50% of the days the program operates during the school year)   
  • youth development opportunities that include hands-on project-based learning
  • incorporate homework help 

High-quality means research based -program models that support student learning and result in better academic outcomes, while increasing youth engagement in their schools and community.  We strongly encourage agencies to be active participants in city-wide networks to address youth issues at the local level.

High-quality elements include: 

  • enrichment activities that focus on skills building (executive functions, literacy and numeracy) - theater arts, STEM, career exploration, and recreation activities including team and confidence building
  • developmentally age-appropriate and culturally relevant to the youth being served

After School Resources

American Savings Foundation offers a number of resources to help you with your after school program. If you're looking to get your after school program funded, please reference these self-assessment tools in addition to the Foundation's city-wide networks and funding information.

See After School Resources

Deadlines

2025 Deadline

April 24, 2025

After School Grants are only considered one time per year in the spring. This is designed to give organizations time to plan ahead for the following school year.

After School Application

Call Maria Sanchez, Director of Grantmaking and Community Investment, at 860-612-3375 directly to discuss the submission of an After School Grant.

Apply Here Online Portal Tutorial Download  Budget Format

 

Ineligible for funding: 

  • General operating support or unrestricted grants 
  • Primary or secondary schools -- public, private independent, or parochial -- or colleges and universities 
  • Funding to replace municipal, state or federal funding  
  • Political advocacy and lobbying 
  • Religious institutions, except for non-sectarian activities that benefit the community at-large 
  • Individuals 
  • Annual campaigns 
  • Endowment funds 
  • Sports teams 
  • Travel and Field trips 
  • Event sponsorships (e.g. golf, galas) 
  • Private Foundations and other grantmaking organizations 
  • Scholarship Programs - The Foundation operates a large college scholarship program (see Scholarships) and does not provide funding for scholarship programs operated by schools or other nonprofit organizations 

Requests must not include capital improvements, such as space renovations, or for purchasing computers.  Some funds may be used for program supplies, including educational software, art materials, and the like.   

 

Have questions?

American Savings Foundation strives to be accessible to anyone seeking information about grants, scholarships, or with general questions. Contact us today to get the assistance you need.

Contact Us Today GRANTS FAQs