Empowering Youth through Camp-School Partnerships
The American Camp Association (ACA) is excited to unveil a remarkable initiative made possible by the generous support from the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Global Foundation, a vital branch of SMBC Group. This initiative provides significant funding to enhance partnerships between summer camps and schools, an opportunity that holds great promise for enhancing the lives of young people.
Transforming Lives with Funding
This generous grant initiative, totaling $500,000, is set to support the Camp-School Partnership Project. It aims to aid qualifying nonprofit camps by issuing one-year grants in the upcoming summer seasons. This funding will empower these camps and enable them to expand their capacity to implement valuable programming in collaboration with schools and local organizations.
Enhancing Accessibility for Youth
The fundamental goal of this initiative is to increase access for youth to impactful camp experiences, especially in communities that historically struggle with providing such opportunities. Research conducted by ACA indicates that camp-school partnerships (CSPs) serve as a proven means to encourage attendance among children who otherwise might miss out on camp experiences.
Words of Support
Henry DeHart, the interim president and CEO of ACA, elaborated on the significance of this initiative, stating, "The support of SMBC Global Foundation is crucial in reaching more children. Students who benefit from these partnerships often leave camp with invaluable memories that support their educational growth and overall development."
Recognizing Outstanding Organizations
This summer, eight exceptional organizations will receive a total of $280,000, as they stand out among a highly competitive selection of nearly 120 applications. These grantees are:
- Fiver Children's Foundation (NY)
- Guided Discoveries (CA)
- Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco — Camp Mendocino (CA)
- Camp Herrlich (NY)
- Camp Abilities Tucson (AZ)
- Camp CENergy (TX)
- Camp Fire Long Beach (CA)
- Princeton-Blairstown Center (NY)
The grants awarded will directly influence the experiences of approximately 550 campers each summer, particularly emphasizing accessibility for youth from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Looking Ahead
Following this year’s successful application cycle, ACA plans to open the next application round for 2026 in the fall of the coming year. The ACA encourages camps from across the nation to apply, particularly prioritizing those that serve young people in states with a notable presence of SMBC employees.
In addition to the Camp-School Partnership initiative, the SMBC Global Foundation also aims to support camperships at the mentioned camps to further increase youth access to meaningful experiences at summer camps.
About ACA and SMBC Group
The American Camp Association (ACA) stands as a leading national organization that serves over 15,000 year-round and summer camps across the United States, which collectively host 26 million campers annually. The ACA is dedicated to promoting high-quality camp and outdoor experiences for young individuals, advocating for safety, and providing professional development.
SMBC Group brings forth over 400 years of financial expertise. As a prominent global financial institution, SMBC Group offers a broad array of services encompassing banking, leasing, and securities. With more than 150 locations worldwide, it employs around 120,000 individuals across diverse regions, affirming its stature among Japan's three largest banking groups. This commitment to service extends to North America, where it provides a range of financial solutions to various corporate and institutional clients, enhancing their connection to local markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the SMBC Global Foundation's grants?
The grants aim to enhance camp-school partnerships, allowing more youth access to meaningful camp experiences.
How much funding is available through this initiative?
A total of $500,000 is allocated for the Camp-School Partnership Project over multiple years.
Who will benefit from the grant awards?
Approximately 550 campers, especially from lower socio-economic backgrounds, will directly benefit from the programs funded by these grants.
When will the next application window open for 2026?
The application window for the 2026 grants will open in the fall of the upcoming year.
What types of organizations are eligible for the grants?
Qualifying nonprofit camps that implement programming in collaboration with schools and community partners are eligible to apply for the grants.
