We are opening our annual RFP process for program funding applications on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 12 PM ET.
Learn more about funding opportunities through NextUp (below) and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
The Middle School Alliance embeds dozens of partnering organizations’ afterschool programs directly in all seven traditional RPS Middle Schools.
The Middle School Alliance is a collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond (BGCMR), Higher Achievement Richmond, YMCA of Greater Richmond, and NextUp as the OST intermediary. We coordinate nutrition, security, and transportation home with Richmond Public Schools.
You can apply to partner with NextUp to embed your afterschool program(s) in Richmond Public Middle Schools Monday – Thursday from 3:15 – 6:30 PM. Middle School Alliance programs come at no cost to youth and families.
NextUp has been selected to serve as the administrator and expert partner to the City of Richmond for the distribution of City funds granted for youth violence prevention and positive youth development services named the Positive Youth Development initiative. Granted funding must be used to provide programming at no cost to youth ages 11 – 19 living in the City of Richmond.
This is a contracted funding opportunity. Providers are paid per afterschool class / session at RPS Middle Schools (as assigned).
Program operations, data collection, logistics, and promotion are handled by youth development agencies and NextUp.
Program coordination (attendance and daily support) is managed by our youth development agency partners.
Meals / snacks, security, and transportation home are coordinated by NextUp and Richmond Public Schools.
NextUp prioritizes direct program costs and costs per student.
Funding considerations include types of activities students will be engaged in and industry rates.
Placement and contracts in schools vary by session (quarterly) and are selected based on youth voice and choice.
Approval and requested funding are not guaranteed.
PYD funds are grants with set conditions by the City of Richmond. Awardees must meet all conditions outlined in the grant application and grant contract to receive funds.
There are two (2) PYD project types: Program Services & Community Building Events
Funding is strictly for providing free OST programs and events to City of Richmond youth aged 11 – 19.
Awardees are responsible for all program operations, logistics, and data collection and reporting.
Awardees fully own and operate their programs, including but not limited to staffing, logistics, and youth recruitment. NextUp does not coordinate program operations.
Organizations may submit multiple proposals per project period (School Year and Summer) but only one project per type can be approved each project period. If multiple projects are recommended for approval in the same project period, evaluators will decide which project(s) receive funding.
Programs must fulfill data collection and reporting requirements.
Approval and requested funding are not guaranteed.
NextUp RVA is a nonprofit organization helping youth discover their talents and build positive relationships. It does this by managing a strong system of accessible out-of-school time programs delivered in schools and across the city. When youth participate in quality out-of-school time programs, they learn new skills, find out what they are good at, gain confidence and are engaged learners.
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