Deadline: August 29, 2025
The Intensive Mentoring for Oasis Youth Leadership Program is now open for applications! Designed to support at-risk youth and their families in the District of Columbia, this competitive grant opportunity offers up to $500,000 to a qualified organisation committed to holistic youth development.
This post outlines all you need to know about the Intensive Mentoring for Oasis Youth Leadership Program — from eligibility and funding details to deadlines and application requirements. Whether you’re a grassroots non-profit or a seasoned youth service provider, this grant offers a chance to expand your impact.
What Is the Intensive Mentoring for Oasis Youth Leadership Program?
This initiative by the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) supports one organisation to deliver intensive mentoring, social development training, family support services, and career readiness for youth aged 10–14. The goal is to build resilience, foster pro-social behaviour, and enhance public safety through meaningful engagement and positive youth development strategies.
Key Dates to Remember
- RFA Release Date: July 29, 2025
- Pre-Application Conference: July 18, 2025 (10 AM – 12 PM) via Microsoft Teams
- Application Deadline: August 29, 2025 (5:00 PM ET)
- Project Start Date: October 1, 2025
Grant Details
- Award Ceiling: $500,000
- Project Period: 12 months (Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026)
- Number of Awards: One
- Funding Type: Reimbursement (with limited advances allowed)
- Match Requirement: None
Eligible costs include:
✔ Staff salaries
✔ In-area travel
✔ Equipment (pre-approved over $500)
✔ Consultants (max $650/day)
✔ Supplies and materials
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for this grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a community-based, non-profit, faith-based, or neighbourhood-based organisation.
- Be incorporated and physically located in the District of Columbia.
- Have a proven history of service to at-risk and/or justice-involved youth.
- Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence.
- Be in good financial standing and able to manage government grants.
- Hire qualified mentors (e.g., returning citizens must meet reintegration criteria).
For collaborative projects, one organisation must act as the lead applicant.
Focus Population and Service Areas
The programme targets two primary groups:
- Youth aged 10–14 referred to DYRS.
- Their families (parents, siblings, caregivers).
Services will be delivered on-site at the DYRS Laurel campus and within the community.
What Must the Program Deliver?
Your proposed programme must:
- Provide a minimum of 40 hours of mentoring per youth each month.
- Follow the Positive Youth Justice (PYJ) framework.
- Deliver:
- Weekly workshops
- Civic engagement activities
- Pre/post assessments for at least 120 youth
- Track outcomes using DYRS’s FAMCare system.
- Submit:
- Detailed progress and financial reports
- Final report with data analysis
- A PowerPoint presentation before the end of the grant period
What Should Be in Your Application?
Your application package must include:
➤ Narrative (Max 12 pages)
- Project idea
- Target population
- Organisational capacity
- Evaluation plan
- Budget + budget narrative
➤ Required Documents
- Certificate of Good Standing (DC)
- IRS W-9 form
- IRS tax exemption letter or 990
- Organisational budget + fiscal comparison
- Audited or unaudited financial statements
- Indirect cost rate agreement (if any)
- Letters of support and partner documents
- SAM registration proof (if federally funded)
- Signed promises and assurances
Evaluation and Scoring
Applications will be scored based on:
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Project Idea | 20 |
| Target Population | 20 |
| Organisational Capacity | 20 |
| Evaluation Plan | 20 |
| Budget | 10 |
| Budget Narrative | 10 |
Highest scorers may be selected for pre-award site visits.
How to Apply
You can apply for the Intensive Mentoring for Oasis Youth Leadership Program in either of the following ways:
📧 Or email your complete application package to: DYRS.Grants@dc.gov
Need Help With Your Proposal?
Need assistance with application drafting, budget refinement, or narrative review?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for professional proposal drafting, refining, and review services.
Learn More
To learn more about this opportunity in detail, you can:
👉 Read the full program RFA
👉 Apply here now
