Program Description
The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is a program for older adults (55+) who wish to work with children in their community. FGP provides an opportunity to serve as mentors, tutors, and caregivers for children and youth with special needs. Foster Grandparents provide anywhere from 15 to 40 hours of weekly service to community organizations such as Head Start, hospitals, public schools, day care centers, and juvenile detention centers where they provide support to children with special needs children from birth to 21 years of age.
Goals and Objectives
- Provide meaningful volunteer roles for older adults.
- Offer emotional support to children who have been abused and neglected; mentor troubled teenagers and young mothers; and care for premature infants and children with physical challenges.
- Strengthen communities by providing caring services that community budgets are unable to financially support and by nurturing a bond across generations.
Eligibility
To become a Foster Grandparent you must be age 55 or older and be able to serve between 15 and 40 hours per week. Volunteers who meet certain income guidelines also receive a small, tax-free stipend.
Funding Source
State and federally funded. Federal funding is through the Corporation for National and Community Service.
The documents provided are for use by staff of FGP programs funded by New York State.
Grantee Prequalification Requirements:
Not-for-profit grantees receiving FGP grants in excess of $5,000 must register and prequalify in the NYS Grants Gateway. For more information, visit NYS Grants Management website.