State Youth Grants

Title II Juvenile Justice Council grants are specifically awarded to local juvenile justice councils to implement programs, policies and practices that improve the effectiveness of local juvenile justice systems, reduce unnecessary juvenile justice system involvement and/or analyze and reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED) in each council’s local system. Because this model of local governance, collaboration and data-driven decision-making has proven effective, the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission is allocating funding to support local juvenile justice councils and the development of data-driven, collaborative local juvenile justice plans which guide future system improvement efforts. The Illinois Juvenile Court Act provides that each county or group of counties may establish a local juvenile justice council [705 ILCS 405/6-12]. The purpose of this council, according to the Act, is “to provide a forum for the development of a community based interagency assessment of the local juvenile justice system, to develop a county juvenile justice plan for the prevention of juvenile delinquency, and to make recommendations to the county board, or county boards, for more effectively utilizing existing community resources in dealing with juveniles who are found to be involved in crime, or who are truant or have been suspended or expelled from school.” Through juvenile justice councils, the Act prescribes a response to juveniles in conflict with the law that is comprehensive, driven by data and analysis, and collaborative across all systems that touch these youth. As embodied in the Juvenile Court Act, Juvenile Justice Councils provide a structure to ensure that local jurisdictions respond to youth in conflict with the law in a manner which is data-driven, strategic, and focused on serving youth, families and communities in the most effective ways possible. Unfortunately, very few jurisdictions in Illinois have developed councils that operate in the manner envisioned in the Act. In some communities, youth become involved in the juvenile justice system unnecessarily because alternatives do not exist, or are not embedded within the system decision-making process. Because the needs and resources are different in each community in Illinois, a one-size-fits-all approach is not likely to be very effective. Local councils are in the best position to craft solutions that meet the local community’s needs and take into account local resources. Empowering and supporting local juvenile justice councils can also stem the tide of racial and ethnic disparity in the juvenile justice system at the front door and help ensure that no youth enters the juvenile justice system unnecessarily. Such local ownership is the best way to ensure more effective long-term programming and sustained systemic change. This, in turn, will reduce the costs associated with incarcerating youth in correctional facilities, reduce rates of recidivism, reduce the number of crime victims, and ultimately create safer communities in Illinois. Juvenile Justice Youth Serving Programs: The federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) provides funding directly to states through its Title II Formula Grants Program (Title II) to support state and local delinquency prevention, intervention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements. These funds are used to help states implement comprehensive state juvenile justice plans based on detailed studies of needs in their jurisdictions. State Advisory Groups, comprised of members appointed by the governor, set priorities for funded activities. The State Advisory Group for Illinois, the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission (IJJC), administers the Title II funds. These funds support a broad range of juvenile justice activities at the state and local level that are designed to improve the juvenile justice system through the development of more effective education, training, research, prevention, diversion, treatment, and rehabilitation programs in the area of juvenile delinquency. These programs or projects can be designed to be developed, implemented and evaluated directly or through grants and contracts with public and private agencies. Title II also funds state and local activities designed to ensure and maintain the state's compliance with the Core Requirements of the JJDPA. • Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders (DSO) • Adult Jail and Lock-Up Removal (Jail Removal) • "Sight and Sound" Separation • Address Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED); In some communities, youth become involved in the juvenile justice system unnecessarily because alternatives do not exist or are not embedded within the system decision-making process. Because the needs and resources are different in each community in Illinois, a one-size-fits-all approach is not likely to be very effective. Local juvenile justice systems and community-based providers are in prime position to craft solutions and develop youth serving programs that meet the local community's needs and take into account local resources. Empowering and supporting local youth programming can also stem the tide of racial and ethnic disparity in the juvenile justice system at the front door and help ensure that no youth enters the juvenile justice system unnecessarily. Investing in local communities will reduce the costs associated with incarcerating youth in correctional facilities, reduce rates of recidivism, reduce the number of crime victims, and ultimately create safer communities in Illinois.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Syracuse to develop affordable housing and support community programs for residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations in Illinois to engage AmeriCorps members in community service projects that address critical needs in areas such as education, economic opportunity, and health.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is accepting grant applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund program until September 13, 2024. The program provides 50 percent reimbursement to selected outdoor recreation projects sponsored by political subdivisions and other public agencies. Eligible projects include the development and/or acquisition of outdoor facilities for public recreation. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility according to the LWCF guidelines and the 2021 Kansas Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Applications should include all required documentation and meet the needs identified in the 2021 Kansas Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). A checklist is included to ensure project sponsors have met all requirements. Incomplete or late applications will result in withdrawal from funding consideration. Federal Standard Forms (SF-424) for Budget Information and Compliance Assurance are also required.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Washington, D.C. that are dedicated to reducing gun violence through innovative intervention strategies targeting at-risk individuals aged 18-35.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations to deliver intensive, community-based crisis intervention services for children and youth with co-occurring mental health disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities, aiming to prevent unnecessary psychiatric hospitalizations.

This grant provides funding to support training and internship opportunities for unemployed, underemployed, and new adult learners in Massachusetts, helping them gain skills and credentials for meaningful employment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to K-12 robotics teams in Wyoming to enhance STEM education and facilitate participation in robotics competitions.

The grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Office of Women’s Health and Family Services aims to improve maternal, child, and infant health by preventing trauma, building resilience, and creating healthy environments for children, using funds to strengthen families and communities, and ensure access to youth-friendly care systems.

This grant provides funding for organizations to facilitate college tours for underserved high school students in Washington, D.C., helping them explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities and prepare for higher education.

The FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program is a $5 million fund aimed at helping fire departments across the Commonwealth purchase essential safety equipment that meets NFPA and OSHA standards, with applications open from September 19 to October 17, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local workforce development boards and partner organizations in Pennsylvania to enhance collaboration among businesses and address workforce needs within priority industry sectors.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations in Seattle to improve health and educational outcomes for pregnant individuals, infants, and toddlers, particularly in marginalized communities.

This funding opportunity supports schools and organizations in providing long-term artist residencies that enhance students' arts education through hands-on learning experiences.

This funding opportunity supports New Jersey Workforce Development Boards in creating partnerships to improve adult literacy and job skills for residents, helping them secure stable employment and achieve self-sufficiency.

This funding opportunity provides $5 million each to two eligible regions in New York State to improve school food infrastructure, promote local farm products in school meals, and support workforce development in related fields.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New York State to establish crisis intervention teams that assist youth at risk of psychiatric hospitalization, promoting family engagement and community-based care.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions in Ohio to implement projects aimed at reducing traffic-related fatalities through enforcement, education, and public awareness initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that create job training and education programs for vulnerable populations in California, including English Language Learners, justice-involved individuals, opportunity youth, and veterans, to help them achieve economic stability and career advancement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to existing nonprofit Recovery Community and Outreach Centers in New York State to expand their services for youth aged 12 to 17, addressing the critical need for developmentally appropriate recovery support for young people.