Get ready – a new funding opportunity for outdoor summer programing is set to launch on October 18.
AWC, in partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Washington Recreation & Park Association (WRPA), is pleased to announce that the 2022 application period for the SEEK Fund Program will be open on Monday, October
18, and will remain open until Thursday, November 18.
The SEEK Fund Program is designed to provide local parks and recreation agencies with federal funds to expand summer outdoor education and recreation programs offered to school-aged children and youth. The goal of the SEEK program is to increase access
to quality, outdoor summer programming for youth and communities who have historically been underserved and who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For 2022, there is about $10 million available to cities, counties, and park districts to fund local summer programing. SEEK funds can be used to reimburse costs associated with:
- Staffing,
- Equipment and supplies,
- Scholarships or subsidized programs,
- Transportation and facilities, and
- Fees for outdoor activities or field trips.
Unfortunately, SEEK funds cannot be used to reimburse capital projects or expenditures.
During the summer of 2021, the SEEK program provided over $2 million to 32 parks and recreation organizations around the state. Recipients used the funds to host expanded elementary-school-aged summer camps, provide water safety classes to teens, and
put on youth-centric community events.
You can sign up to attend a free, informational webinar to be hosted by WRPA on Thursday, October 21, at 11 am. During the webinar, we will provide an overview of the funding program, the application process, and program requirements.
For additional questions about the SEEK Fund Program, please contact Jacob Ewing.