The Summer Youth Program Fund (SYPF), a collaboration of 12 Indianapolis funders including the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of providing funding for the summer programs of Indianapolis agencies serving youth. The SYPF is designed to make the grant process easier for nonprofit organizations by using a single application form. The Fund was established in 1995 by The Indianapolis Foundation and Lilly Endowment, Inc.

This year, the SYPF awarded nearly $1.8 million to 126 organizations offering 146 programs to serve nearly 32,000 youth in Marion County this summer. The grants focus on providing safe and positive experiences for youth, ages 4 to 19 years, at little or no cost. Grants are for programs in four areas: residential, daily, enhancement and youth employment. The SYPF supports programs where the greatest needs exist. Although most grantees are in Center Township, the SYPF also supports programs in the surrounding townships. Grant recipients vary from churches and area community centers to theaters and parks, which offer numerous experiences for children and teens, such as sports, overnight camping, arts, community service and tutoring.

Support of the SYPF has steadily increased over the years. In 2005, the Trust awarded a total of $125,000 to 25 organizations participating in the SYPF. For more information about the SYPF, contact Lee Ann Hoy, grants programs manager in Indiana.