New funding opportunity: Serving youth in state Juvenile Justice facilities through the arts

The California Arts Council believes in the arts as an essential tool for healthy human development for populations. Our JUMP StArts grant program is designed with that value in mind, to serve as a positive intervention for youth facing incarceration. The program mobilizes partnerships between arts organizations and juvenile justice entities to create arts learning opportunities that foster positive socioemotional, behavioral, academic, and developmental outcomes for system-engaged youth.

This year, we’re offering two grant strands for the JUMP StArts program: a grant opportunity supporting work at county and community-based facilities, plus a brand new opportunity supporting work at state Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facilities. Arts organizations may apply for up to $50,000 in each strand, with a chance to receive funding in both strands simultaneously.

Planning grants are also available to support arts organizations with the process of developing an arts for incarcerated youth project. Organizations are able to receive a Project Grant in one strand and a Planning Grant in the other strand during the same funding cycle.

The deadline for all JUMP StArts applications has been extended to February 23, 2018.

While you can find complete details on our website … here’s a handy FAQ about this new funding opportunity:

State DJJ Facilities: What’s new this year?

In 2017, the Senate Budget Act dedicated funds specifically to expand the program, including service to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Youth Facilities. DJJ is an active partner to the California Arts Council for the expansion of our JUMP StArts grant program.

Applicants may apply and be funded for a project in a county-operated or community-based facility(ies), and may also apply and be funded for a project in a DJJ state-operated facility(ies) during the same funding cycle. These applications will be submitted, adjudicated, and funded as separate grants.

Where can these projects take place?

The following DJJ Youth Facility Sites are designated for JUMP StArts programming:

N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility
Stockton, CA 95215
Note: Program facility for males.

O.H. Close Youth Correctional Facility
Stockton, CA 95213
Note: Program facility for males.

Ventura Youth Correctional Facility
Camarillo, CA 93010
Note: This facility serves as a reception center-clinic for both males and females.

How can my organization apply for project support?

Organizations interested in serving youth within the state juvenile justice system at one of the aforementioned three DJJ sites should review the JUMP StArts grant guidelines in detail.

CAC Arts Education Program Specialist Josy Miller is available to provide technical assistance to any organization interested in applying to the JUMP StArts program. Josy can be reached at josy.miller@arts.ca.gov.

DJJ is standing by to support organizations interested in proposing projects. All applicants proposing a project at a DJJ site must be in touch with Teresa Perez at teresa.perez@cdcr.ca.gov to plan the project and to secure a letter of support.

Are there other ways to be involved?

Planning grants are available to support arts organizations that have identified a juvenile justice facility/agency partner and are in the process of developing an arts for incarcerated youth project. These planning grants give organizations the opportunity to take the time to design the project thoughtfully and to include meaningful contributions to that design from both partners. The planning grants also can be used to pilot aspects of the program and to conduct any necessary training and/or professional development for the project staff.

• Previous recipients of a JUMP StArts grant are ineligible to apply for a Planning Grant in the County/Community Facilities strand.
• Applicants may not receive a JUMP StArts Planning Grant and JUMP StArts Project Grant in the same strand during the same funding cycle.
• Planning Grant requests may be made for $2,500 for a one-year grant, and do not require a match.

And… there’s still time to apply!

If your organization is interested in providing this important service to our state’s young people … we want you to succeed as an applicant. It’s our goal to equip grant seekers with the tools to put forth a competent, competitive application. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Josy Miller with any questions.

The deadline for all JUMP StArts applications has been extended to February 23, 2018. You can learn more on our website at http://arts.ca.gov/programs/js.php.