Economic Security
The Burton Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund Toolkit
Welcome to the Burton Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund!
The Burton Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund is a program by John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) that provides a small funding to participating organizations to support youth living in California who have experienced foster care or homelessness by offering financial assistance to address a critical need or facilitate an opportunity.
JBAY will disburse funding to the participating organizations in two rounds (July 2025 and January 2026). Each time an organization disburses funds to a youth, this form must be filled out within 48 hours. Failure to complete the form will result in organizations not receiving their second disbursement and/or not participating in the program in future years.
There is no per youth spending limit. Organizational representatives should use their knowledge of the youth’s specific circumstance and their professional judgement when awarding youth funds.
If you are a youth living in CA between the ages of 16 and 26, who has experienced homelessness, or the foster care system and need help, please contact one of the participating organizations directly to apply.
Thank you for your interest in the Burton Critical Needs Fund. At this time, the program has been temporarily paused and we are unable to accept new requests for assistance.
We are currently evaluating future funding opportunities and program availability. We understand the importance of these resources and remain committed to supporting current and former foster youth whenever possible.
This page will be updated as additional information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please check back periodically for future updates.
April 20, 2022
Introductory Webinar
The recording of the webinar and a link to download a copy of the PPT slides are located at the top of this page.
May 18, 2022
Grant Application Due
Every organization interested in participating must submit an application. If you run into any problems completing the application, please email Lorris Leung at [email protected]
June 30, 2022
Grant Agreement and w9 Due
Each participating organization must submit their grant agreement and W9 by this date.
WEEK OF JULY 25, 2022
Grant Check #1 Disbursed
Please contact Lorris at JBAY if you do not receive your check or direct deposit within 14 days of this date.
December 9, 2022
Round 1 Spending Completion
Each participating organization must spend their Round 1
allocation and ensure that all corresponding Youth Disbursement Forms have been submitted by this date.
WEEK OF JANUARY 16, 2023
Grant Check #2 Disbursed
Please contact Lorris at JBAY if you do not receive your check or direct deposit within 14 days of this date.