Opportunity Youth Engagement Grant
The City of Knoxville recognizes the collective responsibility to invest in the progression of Opportunity Youth in our communities. It is our responsibility to ensure that youth are provided access to safe, nurturing environments that aid in re-engaging them with local support.
Connecting young people to positive networks and engaging them in opportunities associated with personal, community, and social development can begin the process of dismantling barriers to success, expanding perceptions of what is possible, and focusing on community strengths and assets. (Currie, Elliot. A Peculiar Indifference: The Neglected Toll of Violence on Black America. Metropolitan Books, 2020; 219- 222.)
The City of Knoxville seeks to provide grant funding to non-profit and community-based organizations, including smaller organizations, capable of providing high-quality youth programming and/or youth employment in or around Knoxville. Proposals should specifically engage young people identified as being at the
HIGHEST RISK of involvement in violent crime based on Opportunity Youth criteria (see “How Funds Can be Used” section). For this grant cycle, the grant opportunity will allow organizations to serve youth continually for Spring, Summer, and/or Fall.
In an effort to ensure funding impacts those at highest risk, the City of Knoxville will partner with Knox County Juvenile Court (KCJC) to serve justice-involved youth. KCJC will make referrals to grant- awarded organizations.
To be eligible for funding, organizations must agree to serve, at minimum, 3 youth referred by KCJC.
The City of Knoxville has funding available in this round of grants to be awarded in April 2025 for programming carried out between May 5, 2025 and October 10, 2025. Awards may range between $5,000 - $40,000 and shall specifically support programming, stipends, payment, or other services directly for the Opportunity Youth engaged in programming.
This is a competitive process. Some applications may not be funded, and some may be only partially funded. Additionally, previously receiving funding does not guarantee selection for funding this cycle.
Applications must be received by December 5 before 4:30 p.m.
A post-project report of the programs or activities administered, the number and demographics of opportunity youth served, and the impact of programming must be submitted at the end of the grant cycle.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please read
Grant Funding Guidelines before you start filling out your Application. If you have a question or need help understanding these Guidelines or the Application, call Star Starks at 865-215-4429 or LaKenya Middlebrook at 865-215-3155.
Youth Violence Prevention Week Micro-Grant
The City of Knoxville’s top priority is public safety. We especially recognize our collective responsibility to create safe, nurturing environments for children and youth to grow, learn, and play. Youth violence, in all forms, has a devastating effect on youth, families, and communities; reducing youth violence requires collective and collaborative engagement.
The City of Knoxville is seeking to provide grant funding to non-profit and community-based organizations, including smaller organizations, to provide services focused on building awareness, education and prevention related to reducing youth violence.
The City of Knoxville has funding available in this round of grants to be awarded in April 2025 for programming carried out during National Youth Violence Prevention Week, between April 28, 2025 and May 2, 2025. Awards may range between $500 - $3,000 and shall specifically support 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.
This is a competitive process. Some applications may not be funded, and some may be only partially funded.
Applications must be received by final application deadline: December 5 before 4:30 p.m.
A post project report of programs or activities administered, number and demographics of persons served, and impact of programming must be submitted at the end of the grant cycle.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please read
Grant Funding Guidelines before you start filling out your Application. If you have a question or need help understanding these Guidelines or the Application, call Star Starks at 865-215-4429 or LaKenya Middlebrook at 865-215-3155.