The OST Office is tasked with improving both the quantity and quality of out-of-school time (OST) programs through targeted grant-making for service providers, as well as coordinating OST efforts across OST-affiliated government agencies. The OST Office is the largest OST grantmaking entity in DC.
The OST Office awards grants to support the quantity of high-quality OST programming for children and youth in DC. OST Office grantees provide programs during the critical hours of 3:00 to 6:00pm during the school year and across the summer months. Grants are awarded in a manner consistent with the OST Commission's Strategic Plan with particular attention to the strategic plan's goals and priorities for serving at-risk and other targeted youth populations, geographic distribution of out-of-school-time programs, and program quality.
Click here for a summary of the OST Office's FY26 grantees.
Click here for a summary of the OST Office's FY25 grantees and their grant award amounts.
Announcement: The OST Office Launches Fiscal Year 2027 Grant Competitions
The Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) located in the Deputy Mayor of Education’s Office, has launched FY27 Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the following seven (7) out of school time grant competitions:
Important Dates:
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RFA Release Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
- Applications Due Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, by 5:00 pm EST
- Application Review Period: June-July 2026
- Awards Announced: August 2026
Grant Technical Assistance:
The OST Office will host virtual Information Sessions to provide an overview of the online application process, and to answer questions related to the FY27 OST grant competitions. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the applicable technical assistance session(s) for the corresponding grant competitions as listed below:
Please note that registration is not required.
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Tuesday, April 28, 2026 12pm - 1pm |
Out of School Time, OST Small Nonprofit, OST Community Specific Coordinating Entity, My Out of School Time-DC (MOST-DC), OST College and Career Prep. | Attend the information session by clicking here. |
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Wednesday, April, 29, 2026 12pm - 1pm |
OST Students in the Care of DC Thrives Coordinating Entity (SCDC Thrives). | Attend the information session by clicking here. |
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Thursday, April 30, 2026 12pm - 1pm |
OST Youth Scholarships Coordinating Entity. | Attend the information session by clicking here. |
Questions?
Questions regarding any of the FY27 RFAs must be submitted via email to [email protected]. Questions and answers will be published beginning Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Once published, the questions and answers will be updated regularly as questions are received. Responses to questions will be provided through the document within 72 hours (3 business days) of receipt. Questions and answers can be found at FY27 Out of School Time Grants Q&A.
FY26 Summer Strong DC RFA - Now Closed
The application period for the FY26 Summer Strong DC Request for Applications (RFA) is now closed. Thank you to all organizations that submitted applications.
Please check back soon for updates.
Grant Award Contestation and Complaint Processes
To access the document, please click here.
OST Office Grantee Resources:
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FY26 Important Dates and Reminders
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User Guide: Cityspan Grants Management System (updated March 2026)
Other important tools and templates for OST Office grantees can be found here.
For questions or concerns, email [email protected].
DC Government Funding Opportunities:
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District Grants Clearinghouse - The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism & Partnerships is the electronic clearinghouse for all District of Columbia government grant notices. Stay updated on available funding opportunities.
OST Funding Opportunities:
- 2026 Summer Strong DC (Now Closed)
- Out of School (OST) Time Program
- OST Small Nonprofit Program
- OST Community-Specific Coordinating Entity Program
- My Out of School Time-DC Program (MOST-DC)
- OST College and Career Prep Program
- Students in the Care of DC Thrives Coordinating Entity Program
- Youth Scholarships Coordinating Entity Program
Review general grant eligibility requirements here.
Review the Grant Award Contestation & Complaint process here.
