Character at Camp: Planning Grants - FY 2026

Character at Camp: Planning Grants - FY 2026 is sponsored by American Camp Association. This program supports nonprofit and government organizations in planning, training, and capacity building to develop and implement character programs at camps.

* Character Grant Program Overview * Wave 2 Application Packets * Wave 2 Timeline & Eligibility * Character Grant Application * Frequently Asked Questions * Upcoming Office Hours& Webinars * Volunteer as Grant Reviewer ## Character Grant Program Overview Welcome to the American Camp Association’s (ACA) Character at Camp Grant Program!

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects.

By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem. Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

To help you decide which is right for your organization, here is a quick overview of each grant pathway: * **Planning Grants** are designed for organizations that need a year of planning, training, and capacity building before they can develop and implement a full character program or project. Organizations can request up to $50,000 for a one-year Planning Grant.

* **Implementation Grants** are designed for organizations that have a specific character program or project in mind and sufficient capacity to successfully implement that program or project starting in 2027. For three-year grants, the maximum funding request is $300,000. For two-year grants, ACA’s guidance is to request funding up to $200,000.

* **Network Implentation Grants** are designed for organizations that serve as the coordinating entity for 6+ camps that are eager to implement a character program or project with their on-site program teams. Organizations can request up to $300,000 for a three-year Network Implementation Grant proposal.

## Wave 2 Application Packets To access the full application packets from Wave 2 for each Character Grant Pathway, with detailed information about each grant program, click the following links: * Planning Grant Application Packet * Implementation Grant Application Packet * Network Implementation Grant Application Packet ## Supplementary Documents For a list of documents and resources that are not required, but should be helpful as you design and submit your Character Grant Program application, please see below: * Character at Camp Self-Assessment") * Grant Budget Template & Tool") * Program/Project Timeline Template") * Step-by-Step Guide for the Character Grant Program Experience") * Examples of Character-Focused Programs or Projects") ## Wave 2 Timeline & Eligibility ### Grant Program Timeline _(Note: All dates subject to change)_ May 1, 2026 Wave 2 Applications Published & Opened October 1, 2026 Wave 2 Application Submission Deadline - All Pathways December 2026 Applicants Notified of Grant Award Decisions January 2027 Grant Awards Announced, Grant Activities Start To be eligible for the Character Grant Program, an applicant must be a nonprofit organization that is physically located in the US and are exempt from tax under Internal Revenue Code (Code) section 501(c)(3), or a government/municipal organization.

Additionally, an applicant must be an organization that currently offers day and/or overnight camp programming. For more information about eligibility, please refer to the FAQs or the full application packets. ## Online Grant Application Applications to the Character Grant Program will be submitted through Foundant"), ACA’s online grant submission platform.

CHARACTER GRANT APPLICATION PORTAL") For detailed instructions on how to create an account in Foundant, on how to submit an application, and generally on how to navigate the platform, please reference Foundant’s GLM Applicant Tutorial"). Once there, select “GLM Applicant Tutorial (New Dashboard)."

## Frequently Asked Questions Review ourFrequently Asked Questions for detailed information about the Character at Camp Initiative and the Character Grant Program. That page will provide answers to questions about grant pathways, eligibility requirements, funding limits and determinations, the application process, and so much more! For additional information and support, please contact character@ACAcamps.

org and a member of the Character Grant Team will be back to you as soon as possible. ## Upcoming Office Hours & Webinars Our entire team is excited to support, connect, and engage with you throughout the Wave Two application window. Below are several opportunities to do just that.

Click the link to learn more and to register. Check back here in the future for more opportunities, as we will be updating this list when new events are scheduled.

### Character Grant Webinars * Recording: How to Apply for a Character Grant - Wave 2") * Recording:Use Summer to Strengthen your Character Grant Application") * Recording: What We Learned from Wave 1, What you Need to Know for Wave 2") ### Character Grant Short Video Library This library of short form videos is a great resource for concise advice on specific topics: The Character at Camp Grant Showcase of Resources").

### Character Grant Office Hours We will hold office hours twice a week in September. Those dates, times, and links will be posted later in the summer. * Wednesday, August 5 — 12:00 p.

m. ET * Thursday, August 20 — 1:00 p. m.

ET * Thursday, August 27 — 12:00 p. m. ET * Tuesday, September 1 — 1:00 p.

m. ET * Thursday, September 3— 12:00 p. m.

ET * Tuesday, September 8— 12:00 p. m. ET") * Thursday, September 10— 1:00 p.

m. ET * Monday, September 14— 12:00 p. m.

ET * Thursday, September 17— 12:00 p. m. ET * Monday, September 21— 1:00 p.

m. ET * Thursday, September 24— 12:00 p. m.

ET * Monday, September 28— 1:00 p. m. ET * Wednesday, September 30— 12:00 p.

m. ET Additionally, check out the Character Academy, where you’ll find webinars, videos, blogs, and many other character-related and grant-related resources. ## Volunteer as a Grant Reviewer ACA is looking for camp and youth development professionals to serve as reviewers for Wave Two of the Character Grant Program.

Volunteers would receive training in September 2026 and then review applications during October and November 2026. Time commitments can be adjusted, depending on availability. Volunteer reviewers will gain insight into how grant proposals are evaluated, common elements of strong applications, youth development and program impact evaluation, and the state of the camp industry.

## Wave 1 Grant Recipients ACA is proud to congratulate the 77 camps selected to receive funding through Wave 1 of the Character at Camp Grant Program. Chosen through a volunteer review process, these day and overnight camps are launching, enhancing, expanding, and celebrating programs that nurture character development for campers and emerging camp leaders.

Representing 33 states and a wide variety of camp structures and models, the awardees exemplify the transformative impact camps have on young people and their communities.