CDC National Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention (YVPCs): Rigorous Evaluation of Prevention Approaches to Prevent and Reduce Youth Violence

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is offering a forecasted funding opportunity to support the continuation and expansion of the National Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention. This initiative is administered through the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and is designed to strengthen the national evidence base around effective strategies to prevent and reduce youth violence. The program focuses specifically on youth aged 10 to 24 and prioritizes communities experiencing rates of youth violence above the national average. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development and operation of Youth Violence Prevention Centers that combine rigorous research, community engagement, and training. Applicants are expected to propose comprehensive programs that not only evaluate prevention strategies but also contribute to scientific knowledge and practical implementation in real-world settings. The CDC emphasizes investigator initiated research, meaning applicants have flexibility in proposing innovative and evidence informed approaches aligned with the program’s objectives. Funded centers are required to address four core elements. First, administrative capacity must be established to ensure effective program management and coordination. Second, research and rigorous evaluation are central, requiring the assessment of at least two distinct prevention approaches targeting different priority areas. Third, collaboration and engagement must be demonstrated through partnerships with local organizations, stakeholders, and youth advisory councils to ensure interventions are community informed. Fourth, training and education components must be integrated to support early career researchers and foster the next generation of experts in youth violence prevention. Funding may be used to support research activities, evaluation efforts, community engagement initiatives, administrative infrastructure, and training programs. While specific restrictions are not detailed in the forecast, applicants should expect adherence to federal grant regulations and CDC guidelines. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, which lowers financial barriers for eligible applicants and broadens accessibility. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entity types such as nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal organizations, and certain for profit entities. This broad eligibility reflects the interdisciplinary nature of youth violence prevention and encourages collaboration across sectors. Additional eligibility criteria and clarifications are expected to be provided in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity upon release. The application process is expected to open around October 1, 2026, with a submission deadline of December 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the due date. Awards are anticipated to be announced by August 28, 2027, with project activities beginning on September 30, 2027. The program is expected to fund approximately five awards, with each award supporting multi component research and community based initiatives over the project period. Applicants will likely be evaluated based on the scientific rigor of their proposed research, the feasibility and scalability of interventions, the strength of community partnerships, and the quality of training components. While detailed evaluation criteria are not yet published, alignment with CDC priorities and demonstrated capacity to implement and evaluate complex interventions will be critical. For additional information, applicants may contact the program representative via email or phone as provided in the announcement.