Applications are open for grant funding opportunities from the City of Knoxville’s Office of Community Safety and Empowerment to forward the City’s goals of creating a more equitable and safer city.

Since Mayor Indya Kincannon established it in 2020, the department has grown to include multiple initiatives that strengthen safety and communication between neighbors of all ages and City departments, including law enforcement and public service, as well as community organizations that serve youth and address economic development and violence interruption.

“The overall mission of the Office of Community Safety and Empowerment is to work with and empower community organizations to help us meet our common goals,” says Community Safety and Empowerment Director LaKenya Middlebrook. “This grant funding is designed to fuel community-based programs and activities that reach target audiences and goals.”


The following grant programs will fund specific activities:


African American Equity Restoration Task Force

Funds efforts in East Knoxville in the focus areas of Education, Community Investment & Engagement, Homeownership, Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Equity during the Spring, Summer, and/or Fall 2025. 

Deadline: Dec. 5 


Opportunity Youth Engagement

Funds high-quality youth programming and/or youth employment specifically engaging young people identified as being at the highest risk of involvement in violent crime, including justice-involved youth.

Deadline: Dec. 5 


Youth Violence Prevention Week

Funds programming, events, activities, trainings, campaigns, resource development and distribution, or other activities related to participation in and furtherance of the goals of Youth Violence Prevention Week and reduction of violence involving youth. Funded activities may engage youth, adults or the community at-large during National Youth Violence Prevention Week, April 28-May 2, 2025. 

Deadline: Dec. 5 


Empower Knox Workforce Readiness

Funds activities that cultivate social and emotional development and workforce preparation through meaningful and intentional programing that incorporates academic or skilled training as well as social-emotional skill-building. Proposals should engage and specifically support programming, stipends, payment, or other services directly for youth ages 12-24. 

Deadline: Dec. 5


Empower Knox Event Funding

Funds community events that develop strong, positive social connections with peers and trusted adults for young people ages 12-24 held between Jan. 1 and Sept. 15, 2025.

Applications will be considered as they are received through May 1, 2025. 



Grant applications, guidelines and staff contacts for each grant program are posted at KnoxvilleTN.gov/OCSEGrants.