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Here are some key details about our funding programs:

• Available to residents of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County
• Funded programs include summer day camps, overnight camps, adult adventures, recreational classes, sports, fitness, dance, arts, and other recreation or leisure programs.
• Our fiscal year runs from October 1-September 30 annually.
• Qualified disabilities include people with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and brain injuries that occurred before age 22.
• Applications are accepted year-round for all programs. You may apply for funding WHEN you have program details including provider, dates, and cost.
• Funds cannot be used for programs that are primarily funded by the PLB, DDRB , or DDR (our funders), event tickets, program supplies, registration fees & requirements, or application fees.
• Funding is first-come/first-served and not guaranteed until you are contacted by the Recreation Council with an official approval.
• Not all programs are funded, so contact the Recreation Council if you are unsure that your selected program can be funded.
• Additional funding is available to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents only as listed under “Funding Programs.”
• Read the description and guidelines posted below for the funding you are requesting.
• Recreation Council Services & Vouchers-Video
• Voucher Information Flyer
• Client Rights and Responsibilities

Funding Programs for residents of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County

CARE (Community Access Recreation Experience) Voucher Program: This voucher program assists individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in inclusive and specialized community-based recreation programs. This funding may be used for recreation programs and activities, including day camps and school break camps, among many others. ALL AGES ~ Guidelines

Personal Care Recreation Supports Voucher Program: This voucher program assists individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities who need one-on-one personal assistance (physical or behavioral) to participate in community recreation programs. Families find, screen, and hire the support person to work with the individual and may request partial reimbursement for hours paid to the support person. ALL AGES ~ Guidelines

Overnight Camp Voucher Program: This program allows children and adults with developmental disabilities to apply for a voucher for one week of any overnight camp which best meets their interests and support needs. Funding does not apply to day programs or day camp. As an alternative to a full camp week, individuals may apply for two mini-camps of 3-4 days. Please be sure to include accurate dates on your application. ALL AGES ~ Guidelines

Adult Adventure Voucher Program (ages 18+): This voucher program serves adults ages 18 and older with developmental disabilities to access funding to attend one adventure program such as an out of town trip or multi-day high adventure activity. Selected activity must be operated by a recreation provider, special needs agency, or other adventure provider. AGES 18 & OLDER ~ Guidelines

Additional St. Louis City and St. Louis County Funding Programs

Extended Day Voucher Program: This voucher program enables working families living in St. Louis city or St. Louis County to obtain for their son or daughter before-school or after-school services that will meet their unique family before/after-school care needs. Families can choose between, or a combination of, in-home, out-of-home and/or an organized after-school program. Parents or guardians must work outside the home during the hours being requested. The funding assists the family to address a portion of the costs of their after-school services. Ages 13-21 ~ Guidelines

St Charles County does NOT provide voucher funding for EXTENDED DAY / AFTER SCHOOL services. This service is only funded in St. Louis City and County.

St. Louis County ONLY Summer Voucher Program: These funds are for Community Recreation (not overnight camps or adventure) and are only available to St. Louis County residents with developmental disabilities, Ages 3-20 (if attending school in the Fall). Funds can be used for summer recreation occurring from May-Augusut. This program funds 50% of the fees up to a maximum of $500 per fiscal year. Return Summer Voucher applications to rhickey@recreationcouncil.org ~ FY26 Summer Voucher Application

St. Louis County ONLY Summer Socialization – This program is designed to help working parents in St. Louis County offset the cost of hiring a caregiver who can support/accompany a young person (ages 13-20, returning to school in the Fall) into the community between June and August between the hours of 7am and 6pm. Individuals may apply for a maximum of 308 service hours each summer at a reimbursement rate to be paid to the caregiver of $9.00 per hour. The family is responsible for any costs over that $9/hr. For this program, please submit a Summer Socialization application. Return Summer Socialization applications to rhickey@recreationcouncil.org  FY26 Summer Socialization Packet with Application

First time applicants: Print this form and submit it to your county coordinator: Printable Voucher Funding Application

Returning applicants may apply online: Online Application

Online applications require a 2-step process to verify the guardian’s signature. You MUST complete Step 2 for your funding request to be considered. Directions for Step 2 are given after you complete Step 1. ONLY returning applicants and their legal guardians may use the online application. You MUST have an active email address to legally verify your signature after submitting the funding request.

Eligibility Verification

St. Louis City & County Residents: Individuals participating for the first time in voucher programs must begin by verifying their eligibility to funding based on their disabilities. Individuals have this form completed by a physician or their Regional Center Case Manager if they have never received voucher funding from the Recreation Council. Family members and/or Direct Support/Care Providers may not complete this form. Individuals must reside in St. Louis County, have a developmental disability, complete all necessary paperwork and meet all program criteria and requirements established by the Productive Living Board for St. Louis County Citizens with Developmental Disabilities and the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis.  Eligibility Verification Form

St. Charles County Residents: All applicants in St. Charles County must have a Department of Mental Health (DMH) case number. You do not need be using DMH case management services, but you must be deemed eligible for DMH services to apply for Recreation Council vouchers. Contact the St. Charles County DMH office at 636-926-1200 to inquire about your status, or to begin the intake process for DMH eligibility.

How to Submit your Application: 

Submit your completed application by email, postal mail, fax, online, or drop it off in person. Click on this link to find your Recreation Council area coordinator: www.recreationcouncil.org/connect-with-us