Anti-bullying and Youth Violence Prevention Grant

The Anti-bullying and Youth Violence Prevention grant is a funding opportunity administered through the Albany County Legislature, in collaboration with the Albany County Department of Mental Health, the Department of Children, Youth and Families, and the Albany County Executive’s Office. This initiative is part of the broader Albany County Improvement Initiative Grant Program and is aimed at addressing the persistent and detrimental impacts of bullying and youth violence in communities throughout Albany County, New York. The program reflects the county's commitment to creating safer, more inclusive environments for young people by supporting schools, community-based organizations, and after-school programs with targeted interventions. This grant opportunity provides a total pool of $100,000 in funding, with individual awards capped at $20,000 per project. Proposals are evaluated based on scope, quality, and their demonstrated ability to reduce bullying and violence among youth. The initiative seeks to promote evidence-based strategies that encourage prevention, education, and intervention across multiple environments where young people live, learn, and play. Eligible applicants include public and charter school districts within Albany County, private individuals, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and BOCES. While previously funded applicants may reapply, preference is given to new applicants. To qualify for funding, applicants must propose programming that meets at least one of several core criteria. These include educational curricula aimed at recognizing and preventing bullying, counseling services for youth involved in violence, media campaigns promoting awareness and inclusivity, teacher and staff training programs, and evidence-based approaches that contribute to long-term cultural change in bullying behavior. Proposals should also outline the demographic groups served and include mechanisms for data collection and reporting on program impact. All proposals must include a signed Legislative Grant Acknowledgement Form, an executive summary, a detailed expense breakdown, a benefits statement describing the anticipated outcomes, and a description of how the program fits within broader anti-bullying and violence-prevention strategies. Applicants must also provide a justification of need and a clear explanation of how the proposed services will benefit Albany County residents. Submissions should be emailed to the Albany County Legislature at Grants.Legislature@albanycountyny.gov during the designated application period. The application window for this funding opportunity runs from February 2, 2026, through March 2, 2026. All grant funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis. Awardees will be notified at the start of the second quarter of 2026 and are required to expend at least 35% of their funds by early July. Final expenditures and reporting are due by mid-September. Ineligible costs include employee compensation, capital equipment, repairs, and general operating expenses unless explicitly approved. All reimbursed expenses must be justified, reasonable, and aligned with the policies outlined in the grant guidelines. Program evaluation and funding recommendations are conducted by representatives from the Albany County Legislature and partner agencies. Proposals are reviewed based on compliance, projected community impact, financial clarity, and alignment with the county’s anti-violence goals. Awardees are expected to demonstrate sound financial practices and must adhere to strict cost allowability rules. Subcontracting is only permitted with prior written approval, and any misuse or ineligible expenses must be refunded to the County. Reporting is mandatory and must include financial documentation and participant data to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the performance period.