PASE Network News

The NBA Foundation has an open funding opportunity for local and national organizations serving under-resourced youth ages 14-24 that promote school-to-career employment opportunities, including job readiness, skill training, job placement, and career advancement. This opportunity is open to 501(c)3 organizations in a market with an NBA team. Funded proposals typically start at approximately $25,000, with an average amount of $250,000. Read full eligibility criteria and submit your application by November 14, 2025 via their website. 

Young Futures has launched a funding opportunity focused on the urgent need to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate AI, which is rapidly reshaping their learning, creativity, relationships, and mental health. The “Oops!...AI Did It Again” Challenge will fund 10 organizations with one-year grants of $25,000 to $100,000. Funding themes include youth-powered AI; AI in learning, work, and creativity; AI in relationships and mental health; and intergenerational guidance. Full details of the opportunity are available via the website and full Request for Proposals. You can also learn more through a virtual applicant info session on October 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM. The first step in the process is to submit an LOI by October 24, 2025. 

The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development recently released two COMPASS Programs Request for Proposals (RFPs) in PASSPort, both due in mid-November 2025. COMPASS programs offer a range of enrichment activities for elementary and middle school students after school hours, during school holidays, and during the summer. The anticipated contract term will be from August 1, 2026 to August 31, 2032, with no options to renew. Center-Based and Non-Public School Site Program proposals (RFP EPIN 26026P004) are due on November 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Proposals for Programs in Public Schools (RFP EPIN 26026P004) are due on November 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM.  An overview of the RFPs and details for multiple pre-proposal info sessions in October can be found on the DYCD website. Questions regarding these RFPs should be submitted through the discussion with buyer forum in PASSPort or emailed to rfpquestions@dycd.nyc.gov, indicating “COMPASS RFP” in the subject line. 

The Community Catalyst Fund of New Yorkers for Children offers monetary grants and technical assistance to small, community-based organizations, most of which are BIPOC-led and/or led by individuals with lived experience in foster care. All organizations are based in New York City and share a commitment to supporting youth impacted by the child welfare system. Funded efforts will include: direct services, advocacy and policy change, and research. Selected partners will participate in quarterly peer learning communities, where grantees connect with sector experts and one another to share ideas, tools, challenges, and solutions. The next application cycle will formally launch when the RFP is released on August 18, 2025.  

The William T. Grant Foundation is accepting applications for their Youth Service Capacity-Building Grants (YSCG) program. This program supports activities to strengthen the organizational infrastructure of small nonprofit organizations in the five boroughs of New York City that provide direct services to young people ages 5 to 25. The grants provide general operating support over a 3-year term for small organizations (with operating budgets of $250,000 to $1 million) that have demonstrated capacity-building needs ranging from financial management, board recruitment, human resources, fundraising, evaluation, and more. Visit the website to read the full eligibility requirements and how to apply. Applications are due September 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM.