Local Youth Grants

The Portland Office of Violence Prevention is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Safer Portland Grant, a community-based initiative designed to reduce gun violence. This grant program directly aligns with the mission of fostering safer communities by empowering local organizations to implement preventative measures. The overall objective is to mitigate gun violence through a variety of community-led efforts, focusing on proactive intervention and support. The grant targets a broad range of community members within Portland, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable neighborhoods known for high rates of gun violence. Specific prioritized areas include Cully, Hazelwood, Eliot, and Powellhurst-Gilbert, although organizations city-wide are encouraged to apply. The beneficiaries are individuals and families who will benefit from increased safety, access to supportive services, and participation in programs designed to deter violence. The impact goals are to reduce incidents of gun violence, provide support for victims' families, and build capacity within smaller contractors to deliver essential services. The Safer Portland Grant prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include preventative programs, workshops, camps, and events aimed at addressing root causes of violence. Flexible funds are also provided for direct community assistance and services, ensuring immediate support where needed. Youth and adult mediation and mentoring programs are a core focus, aiming to foster positive relationships and conflict resolution skills. Furthermore, the grant supports arts and culture or recreational violence prevention programs, recognizing the role of creative and recreational outlets in community well-being. Aftercare support funds for families of victims and capacity building for small contractors providing services are also crucial priorities. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in gun violence rates within targeted neighborhoods and across Portland. Success will also be measured by the increased participation in preventative programs, the number of individuals receiving direct community assistance, and the enhanced capacity of local organizations to deliver effective violence prevention services. The grant's strategic priorities are to invest in community-led solutions, foster collaboration, and provide flexible funding that can adapt to the unique needs of different communities. This approach operates on the theory of change that by empowering and resourcing local efforts, sustainable reductions in gun violence can be achieved, leading to safer and more resilient communities for all Portland residents. A total of $500,000 is available, with individual grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Thurston, Lewis, or Mason counties that support youth mental health, particularly for underserved populations, through training and collaborative projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Worcester County, Maryland, for initiatives designed to prevent youth from starting to use cannabis products.

This funding opportunity supports community-led projects in King County that address systemic issues affecting children from prenatal to age five and their families, with a focus on equity and anti-racism.

This program honors a young poet in Howard County, Maryland, providing them with a platform to promote youth voices and the literary arts while engaging with the community through public performances.

This funding initiative provides financial support and mentorship for young people in Aspen to develop and implement community-based environmental and climate action projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profits, neighborhood associations, and community-focused organizations in Akron for projects that engage residents and improve local neighborhoods.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations that enhance the quality of life for residents in Rockaway Beach through health, education, social welfare, and community engagement initiatives.

This grant provides funding for creative individuals to develop and deliver free cultural programming in underserved neighborhoods of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, fostering community engagement and access to the arts.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Sacramento County to enhance their operations and community engagement over a three-year period.

This funding initiative provides financial support to Maine-based organizations in Penobscot County for projects that aim to reduce opioid and substance use disorders through prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential social services to residents of Claremont, California, focusing on both general community needs and critical issues like homelessness.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Flint that empower youth and families through programs focused on resilience, mental health, and trauma-informed care.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipal departments and nonprofit organizations in Euclid to develop or enhance public services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Boston for community-focused projects that enhance recreation, beautify public spaces, and offer educational experiences for children.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Rock Island County, Illinois, and Scott County, Iowa, to address community needs in areas such as education, food security, housing, and immigration support, while empowering high school students to engage in philanthropy.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Sacramento for projects that protect and improve local water quality by preventing stormwater pollution.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations and individuals in Rockford to develop programs that address economic development, violence prevention, and community reinvestment in areas disproportionately affected by past cannabis laws.

This program provides funding to nonprofit and community organizations in Detroit to deliver essential services that improve the quality of life for low-income residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Jersey City that create STEAM and STEM programs focused on mental health awareness for youth aged 8 to 24, aiming to combat the effects of opioid misuse.