The American Camping Association completed a survey in 2004 of 5,000 families and the staff at 80 summer camps. Participants reported improvements in children’s self-esteem, independence, social skills and character development. Research consistently shows the benefits of summer camp experiences for children. North Carolina foundations and community organizations provide grants to ensure that low-income and special needs children have a chance to experience summer camp.
The NHL's Carolina Hurricanes award grants through their foundation to nonprofit organizations that meet the needs of inner-city children. The foundation’s focus areas include healthy lifestyle programs, health-related prevention programs and learning experiences for gifted and low-income children.
Executive Director
Kids 'N Community Foundation
1400 Edwards Mill Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
hurricanes.nhl.com
Triangle Community Foundation provides grants to camp partners selected each year. The grants provide scholarships for children whose families cannot afford camp fees, children with disabilities and children in foster care. TCF awards grants to camps in Wake, Orange, Durham and Chatham counties In North Carolina for children ages 5 to 17. Past grant recipients include Autism Society of North Carolina, YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs. Visit the TCF website to see the current year’s camp partners.
Send a Kid to Camp
Triangle Community Foundation
324 Blackwell St., Suite 1220
Durham, NC 27701
919-474-8370
trianglecf.org
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina provides mini-grants up to $2,000 to nonprofit organizations for summer camp. The funds allow the organizations to provide summer camp for children whose families cannot afford the camp fees, children with disabilities and abused or neglected children.
Summertime Kids Grants
Western Community Foundation of Western N.C.
Suite 1600, The BB&T Bldg.
One West Pack Square
P.O. Box 1888,
Asheville, NC 28802
828-254-4960
cfwnc.org/
The Foundation for Jewish Camp operates this program. The Campership Incentive Program provides small grants to children to attend Jewish summer camps in specific U.S. states. Camp Judaea, located in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is an eligible camp site. The program has an online application. Campers must be enrolled in a participating camp.
Foundation for Jewish Camp
15 West 36th St., 13th Floor
New York, NY 10018
646-278-4500
onehappycamper.org
Local chapters of civic organizations such as the Shriners, Rotary Club, Junior League, Sertoma Club and Lion's Club award small grants to help children experience summer camp. Organizations that focus on special needs populations often make small summer camp grants for children with disabilities or emotional challenges.
