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 March 2024 for programming carried out between April 22, 2024, and October 12, 2024. 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 4:30 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2024.
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.
View program guidelines for full directions, terms and conditions.
| IMPORTANT NOTICE |
Please read the entire program guidelines document 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.
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