United 4 Youth: The Children's Enrichment Fund

United 4 Youth: The Children's Enrichment Fund is sponsored by United Way of Charlotte County. Through the Children's Enrichment Fund, qualifying families in Charlotte County, Florida, can receive up to $300 per child each year to help cover the cost of extracurricular activities, including sports.

United 4 Youth | United Way of Charlotte County United 4 Youth: The Children’s Enrichment Fund Every Child Deserves a Chance to Belong ▶️ Watch how we’re making it possible Nearly half of all families in Charlotte County live paycheck to paycheck. For many, extracurriculars like music lessons, sports, and 4-H are simply out of reach.

But missing out means more than skipping fun—it means missing mentorship, teamwork, purpose, and the No child should be left out of extracurricular activities just because their family can’t afford it. Enrichment programs—whether sports, arts, or academic clubs—help kids build confidence, friendships, and skills that last a lifetime.

Through the Children's Enrichment Fund , qualifying families can receive up to $300 per child each year to help cover the cost of extracurricular activities. This ensures that every child has the chance to explore their passions, thrive, and contribute to a stronger community future. The Children’s Enrichment Fund was established by the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2025 .

What began as a class project has now grown into a community-wide initiative. Their belief was simple but powerful: when we invest in children, we invest in the future of Charlotte County. Today, thanks to this investment and the continued support of donors, businesses, and volunteers, United 4 Youth is breaking down barriers and opening doors for children who deserve the same opportunities as their peers.

Together, we can carry forward the Leadership Class’s legacy and ensure that no child is left on the sidelines. Apply: Families complete an application (Orange button above) outlining the child’s interests and the program they want to join. Supporting documentation for income eligibility is required.

​ Review: United Way Charlotte County reviews each application for eligibility. They may contact applicants for a short interview or follow-up to better understand the child’s needs and program fit. ​ Award Notification: Eligible families are notified by the United Way Charlotte County Navigator of scholarship amounts and next steps.

​ Fund Disbursement: Once confirmed, a check is provided or sent directly to the partner provider. ​ Reimbursements are not permitted. If you have any questions, please call United Way directly at 941-627-3539.

To be eligible for assistance from the Children’s Enrichment Fund, applicants must meet the following criteria: The child must be between the ages of 3 and 17. The child must be a resident of Charlotte County. The child must be enrolled or seeking to enroll in an approved extracurricular activity such as sports, arts, music, or agriculture-based programs.

Eligibility for this fund is not based on household income, but rather on the reality that even working families can face financial barriers to their children’s participation in these opportunities. Eligibility will be reviewed and confirmed by UWCC based on documentation provided during the application process.

Note: Outreach and guidance will also be provided by UWCC to ensure accessibility for families who may face technology limitations, language barriers, or other challenges in completing the application. The Children’s Enrichment Fund supports scholarships for extracurricular activities that provide meaningful, ongoing enrichment and development opportunities for youth.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: o Sports (e.g., soccer, basketball, swimming, baseball) o Theatre and drama programs o Visual arts and crafts classes o Music lessons and ensembles (e.g., band, choir, private lessons) o Dance classes and performance groups o STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) clubs and workshops o Agriculture-based programs (4-H, horseback riding, etc.) The fund does not cover expenses related to daycare services, general summer camps, or other temporary programs that do not provide sustained enrichment or skill development.

Scholarships focus on activities with regular participation over a season or session. Funds will not be used for equipment, uniforms, travel, or other related expenses. The Children’s Enrichment Fund will operate on an open application cycle, meaning requests can be submitted at any time.

However, to ensure funds are distributed fairly and last throughout the year, applications will be reviewed during two primary review periods that align with the seasonal nature of extracurricular programs.

o Applications Accepted: January – June o Covers Programs Starting: February – August o Applications Accepted: July – November o Covers Programs Starting: August – January Families receiving scholarships through the Children’s Enrichment Fund agree to the following expectations. These guidelines are in place to ensure responsible use of funds, program integrity, and fair access for all eligible children: 1.

Proof of Participation (80% Attendance Required): Children must attend at least 80% of the scheduled sessions or activities for the approved program. Families may be asked to provide documentation, or UWCC may verify attendance directly with the provider. Families are required to complete a semi-annual survey or a post-program survey, depending on the duration of the activity.

This input helps UWCC improve the fund and demonstrate impact to donors and partners. 3. Use of Funds as Intended: Scholarship funds must be used exclusively for the program or registration fee identified in the application.

Funds may not be used for personal expenses, equipment, travel, uniforms, or other unrelated costs. Awards are not transferable between children, families, or activities without prior written approval from UWCC. Families must promptly notify UWCC if their child is unable to participate in the program, if the activity is canceled, or if there are any changes to their plans that affect participation.

Timely updates help ensure funds can be reassigned if needed. Failure to meet any of these requirements—such as lack of attendance, improper use of funds, or failure to complete follow-up surveys—may result in ineligibility for future scholarships through the Children’s Enrichment Fund. All personally identifiable information collected through the scholarship application process will be kept strictly confidential.

UWCC commits to sharing this information only with program providers as necessary for enrollment and attendance verification purposes. Data will be handled in compliance with applicable privacy laws and best practices to protect the privacy of participating families. UWCC may invite families to voluntarily share testimonials, stories, or photographs about their experience with the Children’s Enrichment Fund.

Such contributions help illustrate the fund’s impact and support marketing, outreach, and donor reporting efforts. Written consent will always be obtained from families before any stories or images are used publicly. Opening doors through education, enrichment, and opportunity.