The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) held a bidders conference May 14th, 2025 to release the 2025-2027 Request for Proposals for the State Funded After School Grant program. The purpose of this funding is to create programs that provide students with academic, enrichment and recreational opportunities designed to complement their regular school day, and create opportunities for the families of these students to be actively engaged in related programming.

If you missed the Bidders Conference, you can find below the webinar link, a copy of the Guidance for Applicants, Scoring Sheet and PowerPoint presentation. Reminder, applications may only be submitted via the on-line grants management portal used by CSDE. Please review the PowerPoint presentation for a link to that website and more information as to how to get sign-on credentials.

• Guidance for Applicants
• Scoring Sheet
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Link to video recording of the Bidder’s conference. Passcode: 02#&Ev3X3

The following organizations are eligible to apply for this opportunity: local education agencies (LEA’s), community-based organizations (CBO’s), faith-based organizations, and other public and private entities (private schools/charter schools/etc.). Additionally, a consortium of two or more agencies/organizations, or entities are eligible as well. For this opportunity, partnerships (one or more) are strongly encouraged, particularly developing meaningful connections between the school and after school program. 

The current level of state funding at $5.8 million, with grant sizes of $25,000 to a maximum of $200,000 for each of the two years, serves between up to 30 communities across Connecticut. However the demand for after school programs in Connecticut is three times that. The deadline for grant submissions is June 24th, 2025 at 11:59 PM, however grants will not be awarded until the state budget is finalized. 

Still have questions? See the FAQ for answers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the average grant size?
  The average grant ranges from $25,000 to a maximum of $200,000 per year for two years
• Is a sliding fee scale required for parent fees?
  Programs are allowed to charge parent fees, and also use a sliding fee scale as well.
• Are there different applications for elementary and middle and high school programs?
  Yes, option A is for Elementary Schools, and option B is for Middle and High School Programs
• What are the required hours of operation for programs?
  Elementary School: 9 hours per week, 4 days a week.
  Middle School: 8 hours per week, 4 days a week, can be two two-day sessions (e.g. M/W & T/Th), 45 days attendance.
  High School: 5 hours per week, at least 2 days per week, 30 days attendance.
  No “drop in” programs.
  Must explain how the hours and schedule will meet the needs of your students and families.
• What is the per student cost?
  < 25 weeks, grant is ineligible for funding 26-29 weeks -Max. funding: $2,200 per student
  30-34 weeks +10 points – Max. funding $2,800 per students
  35-38 weeks +15 points – Max. funding: $3,500 per student
• What data are programs required to collect?
  Two measures required in the proposal and are tracked monthly:
  Measure #1: Total number of students served
  Measure #2: Number of students reaching minimum dosage by end of June
  Actual attendance must be at least 80% for each measure.
• Can these funds be used to supplant other funding sources?
  No, grantees must use program funds to supplement and not supplant other Federal (21st CCLC), State, and local funds.
• What is the application deadline for submission?
  June 24th, 2025 at 11:59 PM
• Are signatures required for the application?
  Yes, signatures are required and very important. If the application is missing these it will be rejected.

If you have further questions email info@ctncy.org.