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Hennepin County awards $1.29 million in spring 2026 youth activities grants
Summary
The county's grants review panel recommended 26 awards totaling $1,286,919 across arts, equipment, play areas, and lifeguard services; staff estimated the grants will expand access for over 30,000 children.
Jennifer Yang, director of the Grants Management and Administration Department, presented recommendations for the spring 2026 youth activities grants, saying the program received 82 applications and the review panels recommended 26 awards totaling $1,286,919.
Yang provided a breakdown: arts & music awards (9 grants) totaling $146,018; equipment grants (11 awards) totaling $101,901; play area grants (3 awards) totaling $900,000; and lifeguard services grants (3 awards) totaling $139,000. Yang said the awards are expected to increase or improve access to youth activities for an estimated 30,000 children of all abilities and backgrounds. Several commissioners praised the program; Commissioner Lundy highlighted lifeguard training as a life‑saving skill and Commissioner Edelson asked staff to monitor the long‑term sustainability of play area funding, which comes from the expired ballpark sales tax.
The board approved the grant recommendations unanimously. Staff said they will follow up on questions about how employee‑identified cost savings are tracked and will work with cities and applicants on communication about funding availability.
