The American Camp Association’s Character at Camp Initiative is made possible through the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., the Endowment was created to support “religious, educational, or charitable purposes.” Since its inception, Lilly Endowment has been dedicated to nurturing the human spirit, intellect, and character. A longtime champion of both character development and enriching camp experiences, the Endowment’s support is helping bring this important initiative to camps across the US. 

ACA’s Character at Camp Initiative is anchored in the belief that summer and year-round camp programs provide an unparalleled opportunity to support character development among young people. While camps vary greatly in their mission, size, activities, programming, and location, many are run with a focus on youth development and character-building opportunities. ACA’s recent National Camp Impact Study demonstrated that camp experiences support social connectedness among youth and the development of skills and traits such as perseverance, responsibility, and the willingness to try new things. This study also found that these skills and traits last over time. Individuals who attended camp as children demonstrate these skills and traits throughout academic environments and well into their early careers.   

For more than a century, character development has been foundational to the camp experience, as each camp distinctively offers a variety of opportunities to develop important character skills and traits. Camps provide young people with experiences in less-distracting settings, often surrounded by nature, that can help support character development through social interactions with peers and counselors, time for reflection and other activities. In today’s world, the benefits of building character skills and traits such as gratitude, kindness, creativity, curiosity, perseverance, resiliency, empathy, courage, and teamwork could not be more important. 

We are starting our work with the definition of character offered by Character Lab: “Intentions and actions that benefit other people as well as ourselves.”  

Rather than prescribing a fixed set of traits, skills, or behaviors, ACA recognizes that “good character” is shaped by the cultures, communities, and contexts in which young people live and grow. We encourage each organization to define character in collaboration with the communities they serve, especially the youth, so that their approach is relevant, inclusive, and grounded in shared values. 

There are so many possible “character-focused projects” that organizations might propose, so this is not a comprehensive list, but here are a few examples:  

• Adopting an existing character development curriculum  
• Launching a new approach to staff recruitment and training  
• Designing a new evaluation initiative  
• Establishing a new partnership / collaboration  
• Integrating culturally responsive practices into an existing character program  
• Enhancing staff recruitment and training practices  
• Engaging in a continuous improvement process for an existing program  
• Expanding a camp-school or community partnership  
• Increasing access through a targeted outreach program  
• Building capacity within an existing program to serve more youth  
• Implementing a communication strategy to better engage families  
• Strengthening fundraising skills and capacity  
• Developing a targeted marketing campaign 

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations physically located in the United States. Eligible organizations must be described in Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) and Code section 509(a)(1) (which incorporates Code sections 107(b)(1)(A)(i)-(vi)), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) (Type I or Type II). There are several different classifications under which organizations can qualify as 501(c)(3). In general, organizations can fall into one of four broad categories: public charities, private foundations, private operating foundations, supporting organizations. Organizations that are governmental/municipal entities are eligible to apply. Religious organizations can be recognized as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities.   

Additionally, applicants must represent an organization that identifies as an existing organization and actively offers camp programming. This means:  

• The organization delivers camp programs and/or camp facilities/services for other programs consistent with ACA’s mission.  
• The organization offered programs and/or services that served campers for at least one full session over the last three years during summer and/or non-summer months.  
• The camp program(s) for which the applicant is applying for a grant lasts three or more consecutive days. You may still apply if you can justify in your application why it makes sense for your population for the camp session to be shorter and that you can still accomplish your proposed goals in that time.  
• The organization is based in the US or US territory, and the camp programs for which the applicant is applying are primarily run in the US.  
• The camp program(s) for which the applicant is applying for a grant has a primary audience of campers five years and older. Applicants proposing projects that focus on adult participants must demonstrate the development focus of the adult-serving program.  
• The camp programming has a developmental focus and is designed intentionally. 

All eligible organizations, including those that have not engaged with ACA before, are welcome to participate in the Character at Camp Initiative and apply for a Character Grant. The ACA encourages organizations and camp professionals who have not previously had a connection with ACA to get involved. The initiative includes robust outreach to invite new individuals and organizations into this effort, and free one-year ACA memberships are available to those who are interested. Please note that organizations that receive a Character Grant will be required to become an ACA member.  

The Character at Camp Initiative has several goals, one of which is to increase understanding of how camp experiences impact and support character development.  While you must be registered as a nonprofit organization to receive Character Grant funding, there are opportunities for all nonprofit and for-profit organizations to expand, improve, establish, and celebrate how they support character development through this initiative.  

The first year of this program includes a landscape scan of how character is currently being incorporated into camp programs, as well as a series of in-person and virtual networking and education opportunities beginning in the fall of 2024. Resources and training materials from the insights gained through this phase will be made available to all organizations.   

Through the full six years of the Character at Camp initiative, there will be ongoing education, training, and peer-learning opportunities for all organizations, both virtually and in person. ACA will explore the development of a character assessment tool for organizations as well as a culturally responsive pedagogy that can be used at any camp program through this work. During this phase, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can apply for competitive grants to strengthen, expand, or establish character programs at their camp.  

The last phase of the Character at Camp initiative includes the rollout of evidence-based character curricula and tools for the entire field of camp, including resources to help organizations communicate the benefits of character programs and resources to help fundraise for these programs. Opportunities for youth engagement will also be included in this phase. In addition, a large-scale communication effort will celebrate the entire field of camp and its contributions to character development.   

While for-profit camps and non-camp organizations (such as consulting firms) are not eligible to apply directly for a Character Grant, they can participate as a partner with an eligible organization. We strongly encourage partnerships that align needs and strengths, and that enhance the capacity and impact of proposed program and projects. 

Each organization may submit only one Character Grant application during each application window. We encourage you to carefully review the criteria for each grant type – Planning Grants, Implementation Grants, and Network Planning Grants – to determine which opportunity is the best fit for your goals and readiness. Choosing the right grant type will help ensure your proposal aligns with the intent and structure of the Character Grant Program.  

Additionally, there will be two waves of both Planning Grants and Implementation Grants – the Wave 1 application window will be in 2025, and the Wave 2 application window will be in 2026. Organizations that apply but do not receive a grant in Wave 1 are welcome to submit another application during Wave 2.

No, you do not need to change your existing character programming to participate in the Character Grant Program. The Character Grant Program is designed to support organizations in ways that align with their unique missions, goals, and existing programs and projects. ACA recognizes that character development has long been central to the camp experience, and that every camp approaches it differently. 

Rather than prescribing a specific model, the Character Grant Program offers flexible financial and educational resources to help organizations strengthen, expand, or refine their existing efforts. This could include deepening your current programming, increasing access for more youth, integrating culturally responsive practices, or enhancing staff training. We believe all organizations, regardless of where they are on their journey, can benefit from this opportunity to grow and learn alongside other leaders in the field, through this grant opportunity. 

We understand that each organization’s mission, goals, programs, and projects may emphasize a broad range, or a focused set, of character strengths. However, in the Character Grant application, you’ll be asked to identify the three primary character strengths that your organization will focus on while using the grant funds. These three values should represent the core outcomes you aim to strengthen or develop through your proposed activities. 

Organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Planning Grant.  

There will be a second wave of Planning Grants and Implementation Grants that organizations can apply for in 2026. There will only be one wave of Network Grants.  

Planning Grants are for organizations that need a year of planning, training, and capacity building before they develop and submit an Implementation Grant proposal. Planning grants are one-year grants that range up to $50,000. 

Implementation Grants are for a single organization that has a specific character proposal in mind and sufficient capacity to successfully implement that program or project starting in 2026. Implementation grants are two- and three-year grants that range up to a total of $300,000. 

• Additionally, a small group of organizations, fewer than six, can submit a “Joint Application” for an Implementation Grant, with one organization operating as the “Lead Applicant” that would disperse funds and submit reports. 

Network Planning Grants are for organizations that serve as the coordinating entity for 6+ organizations that are excited to plan and implement a character proposal with their on-site program teams. Network Planning Grants are one-year grants up to $75,000. Network Planning Grantees will then be able to submit a separate application for a Network Implementation Grant that will support a three-year grant up to $300,000. 

See below for a graphic outlining how to select the correct grant:

Organizations who are awarded Character Grants will be required to:  

• Complete necessary paperwork / reports at the start of the grant period and at the end of every year of the grant period.  
• Participate in all Character at Camp evaluation efforts led by ACA and its partners, including support for camper- and staff-level data collection. 
• Use grant dollars according to the proposed budget, and report any unanticipated changes to their spending. 
• Maintain a camp membership to ACA (membership funding can be written into the proposed budget if a camp is not already a member). 
• Participate in training and technical assistance opportunities provided by ACA. 
• Attend optional (but encouraged) in-person meetups at ACA regional and national events (travel funding can be written into the proposed budget). 
• Additionally, Implementation Grant recipients specifically will be required to participate in a Community of Learning with representatives from 10-20 other grantee organizations. The Community of Learning would involve ~6 virtual gatherings, and one in-person gathering, per year.  

Yes, Character Grant funds can be used for these purposes, but with specific limits of the total grant budget: personnel costs (personnel and fringe expenses) cannot exceed 65%; capital expenses cannot exceed 25%; and indirect expenses may not exceed 15% of the total grant budget.

Yes, Character Grant funds may be used to support year-round programming, including partnerships with schools or community organizations, provided the applicant organization is a nonprofit and eligible for funding. 

Character Grant funds can support a wide range of programs, projects, and activities aligned with your organizations’ character development goals. This may include staffing, training, curriculum development, program implementation, assessment, communications, and outreach or partnership efforts. Grant funds may be used to start, enhance, expand, or recognize your organizations’ character-focused work. For example, funds could support hiring external professionals to train staff, developing new marketing materials, or strengthening evaluation efforts. Organizations at all stages of character programming are encouraged to apply. 

Planning Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 for a one-year period and are intended to help organizations build capacity and prepare to apply for an Implementation Grant. Implementation Grants range from $50,000 to $300,000 and support programs or projects lasting two or three years. Network Planning Grants provide up to $75,000 for one year. Network Planning grantees may then apply for a Network Implementation Grant for up to $300,000 to fund a for a three-year Character-focused program or project.  

Yes, matching funds can be used to support your program or project, but they are not required. The presence or absence of matching funds will not impact the strength or competitiveness of your application and is not a factor in the grant selection process.  

In the grant application, organizations will propose the amount of funding being requested and will be asked to clearly explain and justify that amount. When determining how much to request, organizations should consider factors such as: 

• The organization’s total operating budget  
• The number of participants served  
• The scale and scope of the proposed program or project  

• July 29, 2025 — Character Grant Application Opens  
• October 15, 2025 — Character Grant Application Closes  
• December 2025 — Character Grant Awards Announced  
• January 2026 — Start of Grant Activities & Grant Fund Distribution

The Character at Camp Grant Application Packets can be found on the ACA Character Grant Program webpage. Applications must be submitted through Foundant, ACA’s online submission platform.  

To create an account in the Foundant system, follow the instructions here: Foundant Applicant Tutorial.

If you forget your login credentials, click Forgot Your Password on the login page to reset your password via email. Not sure if you already have an account? Contact your organization’s primary grant administrator before creating a new one.

Once logged in, click the Apply tab to view available opportunities. View the list of grants and then select the one you are applying for. You can update your user or organization profile at any time from your Foundant account dashboard, even after starting the application.

Yes, you can invite team members as collaborators once the Primary Applicant starts the application. All collaborators will be able to work on and view the application.

After logging in, click the Apply tab or button to view available grant opportunities. Look for the relevant “Character at Camp Grant” in the list.

Absolutely, Foundant automatically saves your work as you type (including when exiting a field or every ~100 characters) and when you click Save. Just click “Apply” later to pick up where you left off. 

You can upload documents (e.g., budgets, letters of support) using the Upload a File button or by dragging files into the upload field. Foundant supports many file types, including PDF, DOCX, XLSX, JPG, and PNG. Executable files (like .exe or .app) are always blocked, and the total upload limit is around 25 MiB.

You can also copy and paste content from Word into text fields, and most formatting will be preserved. For complex layouts or tables, we recommend uploading the file as a PDF instead.

No, you do not need a grant writer to apply. The application process is designed to be accessible to all organization and camp leaders. If you do choose to work with a grant writer, we encourage close collaboration with the staff who will be responsible for implementing the proposed activities to ensure the application reflects the organization’s capacity and goals. 

ACA will hold office hours and host a series of webinars during all open application windows to help camps and answer questions through the grant application process. 

Once all of the pre-work has been done — gathering documents, communicating and planning with your team, etc. — and you’re ready to sit down and fill out the grant application, we estimate that it will take approximately three to five hours to complete the application in Foundant.  

The Character at Camp team at ACA will provide support for proposal development and grant application through both virtual webinars and office hours. While ACA cannot tell you what to propose, nor if your proposal will be selected, ACA is committed to ensuring that all eligible and interested organizations can apply.  

All grant applications will be reviewed by a trained volunteer review team comprised of camp professionals. Scores and brief feedback will be shared with Character Grant applicants, and all applications will be scored based on publicly available criteria, which will include:   

• Self-assessment aligns with character-related programs or projects or need  
• Proposed budget aligns with program or project or need  
• Potential for impact  
• Potential for success 

We are currently accepting additional volunteers to serve as grant reviewers for the Character at Camp initiative. If you're interested in supporting this work, please reach out to [email protected] for more information. Reviewers will receive training and guidance to help ensure a fair and thoughtful process

Make sure you're signed up for the ACA Now newsletter to ensure that you get all updates on the Character at Camp Initiative sent directly to your inbox.

We will have Character Grant Program Office Hours scheduled throughout the summer and into the fall, where you’ll be able to ask questions to members of our Character Grant Team, and connect with other potential applicants.

To learn more about the Character at Camp Initiative, review detailed program information, and download the application packet, visit the Character at Camp webpage. When you're ready to apply, head over to the Foundant application portal to create an account and begin your submission

If you have additional questions, please reach out to ACA at [email protected] — we are here to help!