National Mentoring Funding Available

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced 2013 funding for the National Mentoring Program.

In an effort to improve outcomes for youth and prevent involvement with the juvenile justice system, DOJ’s national mentoring funding supports programs that promote positive and structured relationships between adults and youth and reduce negative outcomes, such as poor academic performance and gang involvement. Funding is aimed at mentoring programs that target youth that are at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system, as well as youth that reside in communities with limited programs for youth.

Grants funds are available in three categories: 

• One-on-One Mentoring 
• Group Mentoring 
• Combined One-on-One and Group Mentoring 

The National Mentoring Program is one part of  DOJ's spectrum of initiatives that provide at-risk youth and adults with resources and opportunities that reduce the likelihood of involvement in the criminal justice system.  

Funding for National Mentoring Programs is available for a project period of three years. DOJ anticipates that this program will be authorized by an Act appropriating 2013 funding to the Department. At that time, more specific funding information will be available. Eligible applicants include national organizations, which the grant solicitation defines as having chapters in at least 45 states. Applications are due April 29th, 2013. 

To learn more about the National Mentoring funding, including details on how to apply, please click here.