Washington 21st CCLC Grant: Expand Learning

For Washington schools, nonprofits, and youth organizations, the 21st CCLC Grant offers a timely chance to expand what learning looks like after the school day ends. With funding available for programs that support academics, youth development, arts, family engagement, and more, this grant helps create safe, enriching spaces where students can grow and thrive.

Whether you're looking to start a new afterschool initiative or strengthen an existing one, the 21st CCLC grant provides the resources to make it happen. Here's what you need to know.

What the Grant Supports

The Washington Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant is designed to help schools and youth-serving organizations create or expand high-quality out-of-school time programs. The goal is to support students—particularly those in low-performing schools—by offering engaging, academically enriching opportunities beyond the classroom.

Programs funded through this grant can include:

• Academic enrichment and tutoring to help students meet state standards

• Youth development and character education programs

• Arts, music, and cultural enrichment

• Wellness and fitness activities

• Career and technical education (CTE) initiatives

• Internships and industry-aligned learning

• Family engagement opportunities that focus on literacy and educational support

Whether you’re operating an after-school program or looking to start one, this grant is built to support programs that work hand in hand with the regular school day and meet the diverse needs of your community.

Allowable expenses may include:

• Salaries and benefits for grant-funded staff

• Supplies and materials (including technology) under $5,000

• Equipment over $5,000 (with pre-approval)

• Staff training and job-related travel

• Advertising for hiring or outreach

• Conferences and workshops

• Indirect costs per approved rates

Every dollar is expected to tie back to student outcomes, youth engagement, and family support.

Award Amount and Deadline

The total funding available for this grant is $6.5 million statewide. Individual award amounts will range from $100,000 to $500,000. Applications are due by July 25, 2025.

The Importance of a Needs Assessment

Before moving forward with any application, ERI conducts a needs assessment first to determine eligibility. This is a required step before proceeding with any application.

The needs assessment helps ensure your proposed program aligns with the funding priorities and gives us the information needed to design a strong, evidence-informed proposal.

What the 21st CCLC Grant Can Mean for Washington Communities

For schools, nonprofits, and youth organizations across Washington, the 21st CCLC Grant offers an opportunity to reimagine what happens after the final bell rings. This funding can support everything from homework help and STEM clubs to art workshops and mental health programs—all rooted in the specific needs of your students and families.

Strong out-of-school programs can be a game-changer in communities that are under-resourced or grappling with academic gaps. This grant isn’t just about keeping kids busy after school. It’s about giving them the tools to succeed, connect, and grow.

Here’s what this funding can support in your community:

• Safer, more structured after-school environments

• Higher student engagement and better academic performance

• More career exploration and work-based learning opportunities

• Meaningful family literacy nights and support services

• Better school-day attendance and behavior

• Closer ties between families, schools, and local organizations

When students are supported after the school day ends, everyone benefits—from teachers to parents to entire neighborhoods.

ERI’s Role in the Process

At Educational Research Institute (ERI), we help schools and public-serving organizations across the country secure competitive funding like the 21st CCLC grant. Since 2001, we’ve partnered with districts, charter schools, and nonprofits to bring millions of dollars into communities through tailored, evidence-driven proposals.

Our process starts with listening. We begin with a required needs assessment to understand your goals, current programming, and capacity. From there, we identify whether this grant is a strong match and start building a plan with you.

Here’s what we offer:

• Comprehensive grant writing support, from beginning to end

• Clear guidance on eligibility and allowable activities

• Strategic storytelling that highlights your strengths and aligns with the funder’s priorities

• Formatting, budgeting, and documentation compliance

• Submission tracking and deadline management

• Review and evaluation services for existing proposals

What sets ERI apart is our contingency-based model. You don’t pay unless we help you win. That means we’re invested in your success from the very first conversation.

We’ve helped clients across 23 states implement impactful after-school and summer programs.

And we know what it takes to craft a proposal that stands out. Whether you’re new to grant writing or applying again with new ideas, we’re here to make the process smoother and more strategic.

Planning Ahead

If you’re thinking about applying for the 21st CCLC grant, now is the time to start gathering your ideas, goals, and data. Strong proposals don’t come together overnight. They’re built on a clear understanding of your community’s needs, your program’s strengths, and how funding can close the gaps.

Here are some tips to help you get ready:

• Start early. Gathering documentation, planning logistics, and getting buy-in takes time.

• Think through your program model. What do you want to offer? Who will benefit? How will it align with the school day?

• Document your needs. Academic data, attendance trends, and community input can all support your case.

• Plan for sustainability. Funders want to know what happens after the grant period ends.

• Identify partnerships. Strong applications often include schools, nonprofits, and community-based organizations working together.

The more intentional you are upfront, the more compelling your proposal will be.

Ready to Apply for the 21st CCLC Grant?

The application deadline is July 25, 2025. If you think the 21st CCLC Grant might be a fit for your school or organization, we’d love to help you explore the opportunity.

Contact ERI today to begin the needs assessment process. We’ll walk you through every step and help you build a proposal that meets the moment, supports your mission, and delivers real results for your community.