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 established 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 offer a powerful and unique opportunity to support character development among young people. While camps vary widely in mission, size, activities, and location, many share a common focus on youth development and creating opportunities to build character. 

ACA’s National Camp Impact Study demonstrated that camp experiences foster social connectedness among youth and help them develop important skills and traits such as perseverance, responsibility, and the willingness to try new things. These benefits are long-lasting, with former campers continuing to demonstrate these skills in school and into their early careers.

For more than a century, character development has been central to the camp experience. Camps provide environments, often in nature and away from everyday distractions, where young people can engage in meaningful social interactions, reflect, and grow. In today’s world, developing character traits like gratitude, kindness, curiosity, creativity, resilience, empathy, courage, and teamwork is more important than ever, and camp is uniquely positioned to support that growth.

ACA starts with a 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 “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 youth, so that their approach is relevant, inclusive, and grounded in shared values. 

There are many ways organizations might design a character-focused program or project. While this is not a comprehensive list, examples include:

• Adopting or implementing character development curriculum
• Enhancing staff recruitment, training, or professional development practices
• Designing or strengthening evaluation and continuous improvement efforts
• Building or expanding partnerships with schools or community organizations 
• Integrating culturally responsive practices into existing character programs  
• Increasing access through targeted outreach or expanded programs
• Developing strategies to better engage families
• Strengthening fundraising skills and organizational capacity 
• Launching or refining communications or marketing efforts

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations physically located in the U.S. or U.S. territory, as well as governmental or municipal entities and religious organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Nonprofits must qualify under IRS section 501(c)(3) and fall within one of the following categories: public charities, private foundations, private operating foundations, or supporting organizations.

In addition, applicants must represent an organization that actively offers camp programming. This means:  

• The organization delivers camp programs and/or provides camp facilities or services aligned with ACA’s mission.
• The organization has offered camp programs or services for at least one full session within the past three years (Summer and/or non-Summer)
• The camp program(s) for which funding is requested last(s) three or more consecutive days. Programs of shorter duration may still be considered if applicants can clearly justify how their goals will be achieved.
• The organization’s camp programs are primarily run in the U.S.
• The primary participants are youth ages five and older. Programs focused on adults must clearly demonstrate a developmental purpose. The camp programming is intentionally designed with a development focus.

No. ACA accreditation or membership is not required to apply. All eligible organizations — including those without prior engagement with ACA — are welcome to participate in the Character at Camp Initiative and apply for a Character Grant.

The ACA encourages all organizations and camp professionals to get involved. As part of this effort, free one-year ACA memberships are available for any individual who is a new ACA member.

For organizations selected to receive a Character Grant, ACA membership will be required. At minimum, the camp and two designated grant leads must hold ACA memberships. For Network Grants, all network grant leads must be ACA members.

Grantees may include ACA membership costs in their grant budgets. Funding support for membership is structured as follows:

• Wave 1 – Planning Grants: 100% of membership costs covered for one year
• Implementation Grants & Network Implementation Grants:
  • Year 1: 100% covered
  • Year 2: 50% covered
  • Year 3: 25% covered

Organizations that are already ACA members may include membership renewal costs in their grant proposals. Non-member organizations may budget for 50% of membership costs in Year 2 and 75% in Year 3, as applicable.

No. ACA accreditation is not required to apply for or receive a Character Grant.

However, organizations that are awarded a grant will be required to maintain ACA membership for the duration of the grant period. While accreditation is not a requirement, ACA encourages organizations to explore accreditation as a way to strengthen program quality and align with best practices in the camp field.

No. The Character at Camp Initiative is open to both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. All organizations are encouraged to participate in learning opportunities, access resources, and engage in efforts to strengthen and elevate character development in camp programs. However, Character at Camp Grant funding is limited to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

The Character Initiative is designed as a multi-year effort that includes opportunities for all organizations to learn, connect, and grow. Early work includes a landscape scan and a series of in-person and virtual networking and educational opportunities, with insights and resources shared broadly. Over time, ACA will continue to offer training, peer-learning, and tools — such as character assessment resources and culturally responsive approaches — for the entire field. During this same period, eligible nonprofit organizations may apply for competitive Character Grants to strengthen, expand, or establish character-focused programs.

In later phases, ACA will share evidence-based curricula, tools, and resources with the full camp community, along with broader efforts to highlight and communicate the impact of camp on character development.

For-profit camps and non-camp organizations (such as consulting firms) are not eligible to apply directly for Character at Camp Grant. However, they may participate as a partner with an eligible nonprofit organization.

ACA encourages partnerships that align complementary strengths and needs, and that enhance the overall capacity and impact of proposed program and projects.

Yes. Organizations that do not primarily identify as camps may apply, provided they offer camp programming that aligns with ACA’s mission and meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the application.

The Character Grant Program is designed to support camp-based experiences, so applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project includes a meaningful camp component. Organizations whose primary focus is not camp may still be eligible if they operate camp programs that meet these criteria.

To be eligible, your organization must currently offer day and/or overnight camp programming that meets all of the following criteria:

• Your organization delivers camp programs consistent with ACA's mission and values. Organizations operating at multiple sites or on rented/leased facilities are eligible.
• Your programs serve campers for at least one full session of three or more consecutive days, during summer or non-summer months. Two exceptions apply: (1) You may apply for funds to start a new program if your organization currently meets this requirement through other programming. (2) If your sessions are shorter than three consecutive days, you may still apply — but your application must explain why the shorter format is appropriate for your population and how you'll still accomplish your proposed outcomes.
• Your organization is based in the US, and the programs covered by your application are primarily run in the US.
• The primary audience of your program(s) is campers ages five and older. If your project focuses on adult participants, your application must demonstrate a clear developmental focus — for example, programming for adults with special needs or for families at a family camp.

If you're unsure whether your program qualifies, contact us at [email protected] before applying.

Each organization may submit only one Character Grant application per application window.

Organizations are encouraged to carefully review the criteria for each grant type — Planning Grants, Implementation Grants, and Network Implementation Grants — to determine which option best aligns with their goals and readiness. Selecting the most appropriate grant type will help ensure the proposal aligns with the intent and structure of the Grant Program.

An exception applies for Network Implementation Grants. If a Network is applying for a Network Implementation Grant, individual organizations or camps within that Network may also submit their own separate application for a Planning or Implementation Grant.

However, an organization may serve as the lead applicant on only one application.

No. Organizations do not need to change their 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 current programs and projects. ACA recognizes that character development has long been central to the camp experience, and that every organization 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 may include deepening current programming, increasing access for more youth, integrating culturally responsive practices, or enhancing staff training. Organizations at any stage of development can benefit from this opportunity to grow and learn alongside other in the field.

Organizations may emphasize a wide range, or a more focused set, of character strengths depending on their mission, goals, and programs. However, applicants will be asked to identify three primary character strengths in their Character Grant application.

These three strengths should reflect the core outcomes the organization aims to strengthen or develop through the proposed activities.

The Character at Camp Grant Program is offered in multiple waves, providing organizations with different entry points based on their readiness.

Application timelines and specific deadlines for each wave are announced by ACA. Organizations are encouraged to monitor ACA communications and the Character at Camp webpage for the most up-to-date information.

Current and upcoming waves include:

• Wave 1 (Closed): Planning Grants, Implementation Grants, and Network Planning Grants
• Wave 2 (Closes 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, October 1, 2026): Planning Grants, Implementation Grants, and Network Implementation Grants
• Wave 2B (Winter 2027, TBD): Implementation Grants only, for organizations that previously received a Character at Camp Planning Grant

Additional waves will continue to provide opportunities for organizations to apply, including those who may need more time to prepare or were not selected in an earlier round.  Organizations should apply during the wave that best aligns with their readiness and capacity to participate in the Character at Camp Initiative.

Please note: Future funding opportunities and timelines may evolve. Any updates or changes to upcoming waves will be communicated through ACA’s official channels and posted on the Character at Camp webpage.

In Wave 2, organizations may apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.  

• Planning Grants are for organizations that need time for planning, training, and/or capacity building before implementing a character-focused program or project. These are one-year grants up to $50,000. 
• Implementation Grants are for organizations that have a clearly defined character-focused proposal and the capacity to implement starting in 2027. Implementation grants are two- or three-year grants that range up $300,000.
  • A small group of organizations (fewer than six) can submit a Joint Application, with one organization serving as the lead applicant responsible for fund distribution and reporting. Grant funds cannot be re-granted to parter organizations.
• Network Implementation Grants are for organizations that serve as the coordinating entity for 6 or more organizations implementing a shared character-focused program or project. These are three-year grants up to $300,000.

• Planning Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 for a one-year period and are designed to help organizations build capacity and prepare for future implementation.
• Implementation Grants range from $50,000 to $300,000 and support programs or projects over two or three years.
• Network Implementation Grants provide up to $300,000 to support a three-year, character-focused program or project implemented across a network of organizations.

These amounts represent maximum funding limits. Applicants are not expected to request the full amount. All proposed budgets should be reasonable, clearly justified, and directly tied to character-focused activities and outcomes supported by the grant.

Organizations will propose a requested funding amount as part of the application and must clearly explain and justify that request.

When determining an appropriate amount 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

Character Grant funds can support a wide range of programs, projects, and activities aligned with an organizations’ character development goals. This may include staffing, training, curriculum development, program implementation, assessment, communications, and outreach or partnership efforts.

Funds may be used to start, enhance, expand, or elevate character-focused work. For example, grants could support hiring external professionals to train staff, developing new marketing materials, or enhancing evaluation efforts.

Organizations at all stages of character programming are encouraged to apply.

Yes. Character Grant funds may be used for personnel, capital expenses, and indirect (operating) costs. However, specific budget limits apply to Implementation Grants and Network Implementation Grants. Planning Grants are not subject to these limits.

For Implementation and Network Implementation Grants, the following caps apply:

• Personnel (salary + fringe): up to 75% of the total grant budget
• Capital expenses: up to 30%
• Indirect costs: up to 15%

Yes. Character Grant funds may be used to support year-round programming, including partnerships with schools or community organizations, as long as the applicant organization is a nonprofit and meets eligibility requirements. However, the Character at Camp Initiative is intended to support camp-based programming, so proposed projects should clearly connect to a camp component.

Year-round efforts may complement and extend this work, but funding cannot be used exclusively for non-camp programming. Organizations must also be nonprofit and meet all eligibility requirements.

Yes. Matching funds may be used to support a program or project. 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.

Organizations awarded Character Planning Grants are expected to:

• Complete required paperwork and final reporting documents
• Use grant funds in alignment with the approved budget and report any significant changes
• Maintain ACA membership (new membership costs covered by ACA)
• Attend virtual semi-annual grantee meetings
• (Optional) Attend an in-person Character Grant Program gathering 
• (Optional) Participate in evaluation efforts led by ACA and its partners, including supporting camper- and staff-level data collection
• (Optional) Participate in training and technical assistance opportunities provided by ACA

Organizations awarded Character Implementation Grants are expected to:

• Complete required paperwork and reporting documents
• Use grant funds in alignment with the approved budget and report any significant changes
• Maintain ACA membership (membership costs may be included in the grant budget)
• Attend an annual in-person Character Grant Program gathering  
• Participate in evaluation efforts led by ACA and its partners, including supporting camper- and staff-level data collection through trainings, surveys, self-assessments, and interviews. (See the Evaluation Core question for additional information and requirements.)
• (Optional) Participate in training and technical assistance opportunities provided by ACA
• (Optional) Participate in a Community of Practice to connect with peers, share insights, and learn from other implementing character-focused programs and projects. 

Organizations awarded Network Implementation Grants are expected to:

• Complete required paperwork and reporting documents
• Use grant funds in alignment with the approved budget and report any significant changes
• Maintain ACA grant lead membership (membership costs may be included in the grant budget)
• Participate in evaluation efforts led by ACA and its partners, including supporting camper- and staff-level data collection through trainings, surveys, self-assessments, and interviews.
• (Optional) Participate in training and technical assistance opportunities provided by ACA
• (Optional) Participate in a Community of Practice to connect with peers, share insights, and learn from other implementing character-focused programs and projects. 

Costs associated with program requirements may be included in the grant budget.

Please review the document available at the link provided, which outlines the full details and requirements for the Character at Camp Evaluation Core.

Reporting requirements vary by grant type.

Planning Grantees are required to complete a final narrative and budget report at the end of their grant period.

Implementation Grantees and Network Implementation Grantees are required to complete annual narrative and budget reports throughout the grant period, as well as a final report at the conclusion of the grant.

In addition, Implementation Grantees and Network Implementation Grantees are required to participate in the Evaluation Core, which includes supporting data collection efforts such as surveys, self-assessments, and other evaluation activities at the camper and staff level.

In addition to financial support, grantees will receive ongoing guidance and opportunities to strengthen their work through the Character at Camp Initiative.

This includes access to training and technical assistance, participation in learning opportunities such as webinars and in-person gatherings, and connection to a network of peer organizations engaged in similar work. Grantees will also benefit from shared tools, resources, and insights generated through the initiative, including evaluation supports and emerging best practices in character development.

Implementation Grant recipients will also participate in the initiative’s core evaluation efforts and a Community of Learning with other grantees, creating additional opportunities for collaboration, reflection, and shared learning.

Grantees will have the opportunity to participate in a broader cohort of organizations involved in the Character at Camp Initiative.

Participation in cohort or learning community activities is optional for all grant types. Those who choose to engage will have opportunities to connect with peers, access shared resources, and participate in learning and technical assistance opportunities.

This collaborative approach is designed to support implementation, strengthen outcomes, and foster a community of practice around character development in camp settings.

• May 1, 2026 — Character Grant Application Opens
• October 1, 2026 — Character Grant Application Closes
• December 2026 — Character Grant Awards Announced
• January 2027 —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.  

GLM/Foundant provides applicant tutorials to guide users through the account creation and application process. ACA uses the “New Dashboard.”

Access the tutorials.

Yes, applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the application process early. Organizations should create and/or log into their GLM/Foundant account well in advance of the deadline to ensure they can successfully access the system.

Application responses can be entered and saved in Foundant over time, allowing applicants to work on and refine their submission prior to final submission. Starting early helps avoid last-minute technical issues and ensures there is time to resolve any access or system-related challenges.

All applications are reviewed after the submission deadline, so there is no competitive advantage to submitting early. However, early preparation is highly recommended to ensure a complete and timely submission.

Please note that the application system will close at 11:59 p.m. (local time) on October 1. After this time, no applications or edits can be submitted.

Yes. Once the primary applicant starts an application, additional team members can be invited as collaborators. All collaborators will be able to view and contribute to the application. For step-by-step instructions, refer to the GLM/Foundant tutorial page.

Click “Forgot Your Password” on the login page to reset the password via email.

If there is uncertainty about whether an account already exists, check with the organization’s primary grant administrator before creating a new one.

Please note:

• ACA website login credentials do not work for GLM/Foundant. A separate account for Foundant must be created if not used before.
• Even if GLM/Foundant has been used to apply for grants with other organizations, a new username and password must be created specifically for ACA’s GLM/Foundant grant system.

After logging in to GLM/Foundant, navigate to the “Apply” tab to view available grant opportunities. Then select the appropriate Character at Camp Grant from the list.

Yes. User and organization details in GLM/Foundant and can be updated at any time through the user or organization profile. 

Yes. GLM/Foundant automatically saves progress as work is entered and when “Save” is clicked. Applicants can return at any time by navigating to the “Apply” tab to continue where they left off.

Attachments can be uploaded by clicking the “Upload a File” button or by dragging and dropping files into the upload field.

GLM/Foundant supports a variety of file types, including PDF, DOCX, XLSX, JPG, and PNG. Note that system administrators may limit accepted file formats, and executable files (such as .exe or .app) are not allowed.

The total upload limit is 19 MiB across the entire application, so file sizes should be managed accordingly when uploading multiple documents.

Yes. GLM/Foundant allows text to be copied from Word into form fields while retaining most formatting. However, complex layouts or tables may not transfer perfectly. For documents with more advanced formatting, uploading a PDF is recommended.

No. Working with a grant writer does not provide an advantage in the review or selection process. The application is designed to be accessible to organization and camp leaders, and proposals are evaluated based on their alignment with program goals, clarity, and feasibility—not who prepares the application. ACA will also offer support throughout the application period, including office hours and webinars to answer questions and assist applicants.

Once any pre-work — such as gathering documents and coordinating with team members — is complete, the application itself is estimated to take approximately three to five hours to complete in GLM/Foundant.

Yes. The Character at Camp team will offer support through virtual webinars and office hours during the application period.

While ACA cannot advise on specific proposal ideas or predict funding decisions, these resources are designed to help organizations navigate the application process and submit strong proposals. ACA is committed to ensuring that all eligible and interested orgnanizations have the support needed to apply.  

Strong applications clearly demonstrate alignment with the goals of the Character Grant Program and provide a thoughtful, well-developed plan for implementation.

Key elements of a strong application include:

• Clear alignment with character development goals
  The proposal clearly identifies the character strengths being developed and how the project supports those outcomes
• Well-defined plan and outcomes
  Activities, timelines, and intended outcomes are clearly described and realistic
• Alignment between budget and scope
  The requested funding is appropriate for the scale of the project and is clearly justified
• Organizational readiness and capacity
  The application demonstrates that the organization has the staffing, experience, and planning needed to successfully implement the project
• Potential for meaningful impact
  The proposal shows how participants will benefit and how the work could contribute to broader learning or field-building

Applicants are encouraged to use available resources, review all criteria carefully, and seek feedback from colleagues or partners before submitting.

Applications are evaluated based on how well they align with the program’s goals, criteria, and expectations. Common reasons an application may not be selected include:

• Lack of alignment with program goals or criteria
  The proposed project does not clearly connect to character development or the intent of the Character initiative and Grant Program
• Unclear or underdeveloped proposal
  The application does not clearly describe the proposed activities, goals, or intended outcomes
• Mismatch between budget and proposed activities
  The requested funding is not well justified or does not align with the scope of the project
• Limited feasibility or readiness
  The proposal does not demonstrate sufficient capacity, planning, or timeline to successfully implement the project
• Limited potential for impact
  The application does not clearly show how the project will benefit participants or contribute to meaningful outcomes

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the application criteria, use available resources, and seek feedback from peers or colleagues before submitting.

No. To ensure fairness and consistency for all applicants, ACA staff are not able to provide one-on-one feedback or review proposals prior to submission.

ACA staff are available to answer questions about eligibility, grant types, and which proposal pathway may be the best fit. In addition, several steps can help strengthen a proposal before submission:

• Engage peer reviewers — Ask a colleague from another camp or a trusted partner to review the application and provide feedback. 
• Consult leadership or board members — They often offer valuable perspective on clarity, alignment, and feasibility.
• Use available resources — Review the Character at Camp FAQs on this page, and Character Academy materials (including recorded webinars), and attend office hour sessions for guidance and common applicant questions.
• Proofread for clarity – Have someone unfamiliar with the grant review the proposal to ensure it is easy to understand. 

Taking these steps can help ensure a strong and competitive application.

All grant applications are reviewed and scored by a trained volunteer review team composed of camp and youth professionals.

ACA is currently seeking volunteers to serve as grant reviewers for the Character at Camp initiative. Those interested in supporting this work are encouraged to complete the Reviewer Application.

For additional information, please contact [email protected]. Reviewers will receive training and guidance to support a fair and thoughtful review process.

Once an application has been submitted in GLM/Foundant, it cannot be edited or resubmitted. If edits or changes are needed after submission, applicants should contact the Character at Camp team to have the application reverted to draft status. This will allow for updates and resubmission prior to the deadline.

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, October 1, 2026. After the deadline has passed, no additional changes or resubmissions will be permitted.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review all responses and attachments before submitting to ensure accuracy and completeness.

To learn more about the Character at Camp Initiative, review program details, and download the application packet, visit the Character at Camp webpage.

When ready to apply, go to the GLM/Foundant application portal to create an account and begin the application process.

Sign up for the ACA Now newsletter to to receive the latest updates on the Character at Camp Initiative directly to your inbox. You can also join the Character at Camp email list for additional announcements and opportunities to stay connected.

If you have additional questions about the Character at Camp Grant Program, you are encouraged to attend office hours. These sessions are offered regularly to provide guidance and answer questions.

Dates, times, and registration details are shared through ACA communications and on the Character at Camp webpage. To attend, participants must sign up in advance using the registration link. Once registered, you will receive a calendar invitation and instructions for joining the session.

For additional questions, please contact the ACA Character at Camp team at [email protected]. The team is available to provide support and assistance.