The CY2020 YOP application cycle is now closed. The CY2021 cycle is expected to open in late fall, when the new application and guidelines is posted to our website.
The purpose of the Youth Opportunities Program is to broaden and strengthen opportunities for positive development and participation in community life for youth, and to discourage such persons from engaging in criminal and violent behavior.
Program Document Upload
Upload Program Application(s) and Documents
The FTP is a file system that allows you to send large documents that are too big to go through email. Sending documents through FTP can also help you save space in your inbox!
To upload a file, please click the following link and enter the username and password provided below:
Username: ded.finance
Password: BCSformupload2020
Need help? Click here.
A notification email confirming receipt will be sent to the email address listed in the application within 3 business days.
The original Application and attachments should be mailed to the address below:
Department of Economic Development
PO Box 118
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Other Funding Opportunities
Workforce Training Initiative
The Department of Economic Development is now using a portion of Youth Opportunities Program funding as part of a new initiative to support job training centers in Missouri. Through the Workforce Training Initiative, DED is making available a combination of CDBG, NAP, and YOP funds to help nonprofit organizations cover the cost of training needs and address gaps in quality job training opportunities throughout the state. To learn more about how the initiative can benefit your organization, click here.
Tax credits are allocated to organizations administering positive youth development or crime prevention projects that have been approved through the application process. Approved organizations secure contributions from their community, and the contributor receives tax credits for those contributions. There are 50% tax credits for monetary contributions and wages paid to youth in an approved internship, apprenticeship or employment project, and 30% tax credits for property or equipment contributions used specifically for the project.
Eligible Projects include:
- Degree Completion
- Internship/Apprenticeship
- Youth Clubs/Associations
- Adopt-A-School
- Mentor/Role Model
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Violence Prevention
- Youth Activity Centers
- Conflict Resolution
- Employment
- Counseling
