15 Best Grants for Youth Mentoring Programs in 2023

Mentoring is a powerful tool that can help young people to develop essential life skills, build self-esteem, and achieve their goals.

However, many youth mentoring programs struggle to secure the funding they need to operate effectively.  Fortunately, there are several grants available for youth mentoring programs that can help these organizations to continue their important work. In this blog post, we will explore 15 available grants for youth mentoring programs.

Grants for Youth Mentoring Programs

  1. The National Mentoring Program (NMP) Grant

The NMP Grant is a federal grant program that supports mentoring programs for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. The grant provides funding for program development, training, and technical assistance.

The NMP Grant is a highly competitive grant, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding. Applicants will be evaluated based on the strength of their proposed program and how well it aligns with the goals and priorities of the grant.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the NMP Grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a public or private nonprofit organization, including faith-based and community organizations, or a unit of state or local government.
  • Have a mentoring program that has been in operation for at least one year.
  • Provide mentoring services to at-risk and high-risk youth between the ages of 17 and younger.
  • Have a formal partnership with a local school or community-based organization that serves at-risk youth.
  • Have a plan for ongoing support and training for mentors and mentees.
How to Apply

To apply for the NMP Grant, organizations must follow the application guidelines provided by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The OJJDP releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the NMP Grant and the application requirements.
  • Complete the online registration process. Before applying, organizations must register with Grants.gov, the federal government’s online grants portal.
  • Submit a letter of intent. This letter should provide a brief overview of the proposed program and how it aligns with the goals and priorities of the grant.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed mentoring program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for ongoing support and training for mentors and mentees.
  • Wait for the results: The OJJDP reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

2. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program

The JAG Program is a federal grant program that provides funding for a variety of justice-related programs, including mentoring programs for at-risk youth. The grant can be used to support program development, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the JAG Program, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a state or local government agency.
  • Use the funds for one or more of the following purposes: law enforcement, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education programs, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment, and enforcement programs, planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs, and crime victim and witness programs.
  • Demonstrate that the proposed project is based on a comprehensive strategy that includes a mentoring component for at-risk youth.
  • Show that the mentoring component is evidence-based or has been developed based on best practices.
  • Provide a clear plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the mentoring component.
How to Apply

To apply for the JAG Program, state and local governments must follow the application guidelines provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The BJA releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the JAG Program and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed mentoring program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for ongoing support and training for mentors and mentees.
  • Wait for the results. The BJA reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

3. The Mentoring for Child Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Domestic Sex Trafficking Initiative

This initiative provides funding to support mentoring programs that work with child victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic sex trafficking. The funding can be used for program development, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Be a public or private nonprofit organization, including faith-based organizations and tribal organizations.
  • Have experience in providing services to child victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic sex trafficking.
  • Have the ability to partner with a law enforcement agency or task force and coordinate with other organizations to provide comprehensive services to child victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic sex trafficking.
  • Demonstrate that the proposed mentoring program will address the specific needs of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic sex trafficking and provide a safe and supportive environment for them.

In addition to meeting these eligibility requirements, applicants must also provide a detailed plan for their proposed mentoring program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. The program should be evidence-based or have been developed based on best practices.

How to Apply

To apply for the Mentoring for Child Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Domestic Sex Trafficking Initiative Grant, applicants must follow the application guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The U.S. Department of Justice releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the Mentoring for Child Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Domestic Sex Trafficking Initiative Grant and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed mentoring program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for ongoing support and training for mentors and mentees.
  • Wait for the results. The U.S. Department of Justice reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

4. The YouthBuild Program

The YouthBuild Program provides funding to support mentoring programs that help young people to develop construction and other job-related skills. The program is specifically designed to serve low-income youth who are not in school and are unemployed or underemployed.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Be a community-based organization, including a nonprofit organization, a public agency, or a private for-profit entity that is working in partnership with a community-based organization.
  • Have experience working with disadvantaged youth, including high school dropouts, youth aging out of foster care, youth with disabilities, and youth who have been involved in the juvenile justice system.
  • Have the ability to provide education and training in construction skills or other in-demand industries and to provide opportunities for participants to earn industry-recognized credentials.
  • Demonstrate that the proposed program will include a strong mentoring component that provides individualized support and guidance to participants.
How to Apply

To apply for the YouthBuild Program grant, applicants must follow the application guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The U.S. Department of Labor releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the YouthBuild Program and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for ongoing support and training for participants and staff.
  • Wait for the results. The U.S. Department of Labor reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

5. The Juvenile Mentoring Program (JUMP)

The JUMP Program is a federal grant program that provides funding to support mentoring programs for at-risk and high-risk youth. The grant can be used to support program development, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the JUMP grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a community-based organization, including a nonprofit organization, a public agency, or a private for-profit entity that is working in partnership with a community-based organization.
  • Have experience working with at-risk and court-involved youth and a proven track record of providing mentoring services to this population.
  • Have the ability to provide one-on-one mentoring services to at-risk and court-involved youth, with a focus on building positive relationships and promoting healthy behavior.
  • Demonstrate that the proposed program will include evidence-based practices and will be evaluated using established methods.
How to Apply
  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The U.S. Department of Justice releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the JUMP program and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for ongoing support and training for participants and staff.
  • Wait for the results. The U.S. Department of Justice reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

6. The Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative

This initiative provides funding to support mentoring programs for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. The funding can be used for program development, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the MOYI grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a nonprofit organization, a public agency, or a tribal organization that has a proven track record of working with at-risk youth.
  • Have the ability to provide one-on-one mentoring services to at-risk youth, with a focus on building positive relationships and promoting healthy behavior.
  • Demonstrate that the proposed program will include evidence-based practices and will be evaluated using established methods.
  • Be willing to collaborate with other organizations in the community to improve outcomes for at-risk youth.
How to Apply

To apply for the MOYI grant, applicants must follow the application guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The U.S. Department of Justice releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the MOYI program and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for ongoing support and training for participants and staff.
  • Wait for the results. The U.S. Department of Justice reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

7. The AmeriCorps Grant

The AmeriCorps Grant provides funding to support mentoring programs that use national service members to mentor youth. The grant can be used to support program development, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the AmeriCorps grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a nonprofit organization, an educational institution, or a state or local government agency.
  • Have a demonstrated ability to manage and implement national service programs.
  • Have a clear plan for engaging AmeriCorps members in service to their communities.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive corps of AmeriCorps members.
  • Be willing to provide adequate supervision and support for AmeriCorps members during their term of service.
How to Apply

To apply for the AmeriCorps grant, applicants must follow the application guidelines provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The Corporation for National and Community Service releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the AmeriCorps program and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed AmeriCorps program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive corps of AmeriCorps members.
  • Wait for the results. The Corporation for National and Community Service reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

8. The Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents Program

This program provides funding to support mentoring programs that work with children of incarcerated parents. The funding can be used for program development, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the MCIPP grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a public or private nonprofit organization or agency, including faith-based organizations and community-based organizations.
  • Have experience working with children of incarcerated parents and providing mentoring services.
  • Have a clear plan for providing mentoring services to children of incarcerated parents and their families.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive pool of mentors.
  • Have the capacity to administer and evaluate the mentoring program.
How to Apply

To apply for the MCIPP grant, applicants must follow the application guidelines provided by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The OJJDP releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the MCIPP program and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed mentoring program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive pool of mentors.
  • Wait for the results. The OJJDP reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

9. The Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities Program

This program provides funding to support mentoring programs that work with youth with disabilities. The funding can be used for program development, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities Program Grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a public or private nonprofit organization or agency, including faith-based organizations and community-based organizations.
  • Have experience working with youth with disabilities and providing mentoring services.
  • Have a clear plan for providing mentoring services to youth with disabilities and their families.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive pool of mentors.
  • Have the capacity to administer and evaluate the mentoring program.
How to Apply

To apply for the Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities Program Grant, applicants must follow the application guidelines provided by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The OJJDP releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities Program and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed mentoring program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive pool of mentors.
  • Wait for the results. The OJJDP reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

10. The Faith-Based and Community Initiative Mentoring Program

This program provides funding to support mentoring programs that are run by faith-based or community organizations. The funding can be used for program development, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Faith-Based and Community Initiative Mentoring Program Grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a faith-based or community organization that has an established history of providing mentoring services to youth.
  • Have a clear plan for providing mentoring services that align with the goals and priorities of the grant.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive pool of mentors.
  • Have the capacity to administer and evaluate the mentoring program.
How to Apply

To apply for the Faith-Based and Community Initiative Mentoring Program Grant, applicants must follow the application guidelines provided by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The OJJDP releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the Faith-Based and Community Initiative Mentoring Program and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed mentoring program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive pool of mentors.
  • Wait for the results. The OJJDP reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

11. The Youth Leadership and Mentoring Program

This program provides funding to support mentoring programs that focus on leadership development for youth. The funding can be used for program development, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Be a public or private nonprofit agency or organization that has experience working with at-risk youth.
  • Have a clear plan for providing leadership and mentoring services to youth, with a focus on the prevention of juvenile delinquency.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to administer and evaluate the proposed program.
How to Apply
  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The OJJDP releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the Youth Leadership and Mentoring Program and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed mentoring program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for recruiting and retaining mentors.
  • Wait for the results. The OJJDP reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

12. The Mentoring and Foster Youth Initiative

This initiative provides funding to support mentoring programs that work with foster youth. The funding can be used for program development, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Be a public or private nonprofit agency or organization that has experience working with foster youth.
  • Have a clear plan for providing mentoring services to foster youth, with a focus on improving their overall well-being.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to administer and evaluate the proposed program.
How to Apply

To apply for the Mentoring and Foster Youth Initiative Grant, applicants must follow the application guidelines provided by the Administration for Children and Families. The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The Administration for Children and Families releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the Mentoring and Foster Youth Initiative and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed mentoring program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated.
  • Wait for the results. The Administration for Children and Families reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant.

13. The Minority Youth Violence Prevention Program

This program provides funding to support mentoring programs that work with minority youth who are at risk of violence. The funding can be used for program development, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the MYVP Grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a public or private nonprofit organization with experience working with racial and ethnic minority youth.
  • Have a clear plan for implementing an evidence-based prevention strategy that addresses youth violence among racial and ethnic minority populations.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to administer and evaluate the proposed program.
How to Apply

To apply for the MYVP Grant, applicants must follow the application guidelines provided by the Office of Minority Health. The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The Office of Minority Health releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the MYVP Grant and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed prevention program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and plan for recruiting and retaining participants.
  • Wait for the results. The Office of Minority Health reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

14. The Mentoring for Youth in Foster Care Program

The Mentoring for Youth in Foster Care Program Grant is a funding opportunity provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau. The program aims to improve outcomes for youth in foster care by providing them with mentors who can offer emotional support, guidance, and positive role modeling.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Be a public or private nonprofit organization with experience working with youth in foster care.
  • Have a clear plan for implementing a mentoring program that meets the specific needs of youth in foster care.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to administer and evaluate the proposed program.
How to Apply

To apply for the Mentoring for Youth in Foster Care Program Grant, applicants must follow the application guidelines provided by the Children’s Bureau. The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The Children’s Bureau releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the Mentoring for Youth in Foster Care Program Grant and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed mentoring program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated.
  • Wait for the results. The Children’s Bureau reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

15. The Mentoring Children of Military Families Program

The Mentoring Children of Military Families Program Grant is a funding opportunity provided by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to support mentoring programs for children of military families. The program aims to provide these children with positive role models and support during times of family stress and transition.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Be a public or private nonprofit organization with experience working with children and youth, particularly those in military families.
  • Have a clear plan for implementing a mentoring program that meets the specific needs of children of military families.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to administer and evaluate the proposed program.
How to Apply

To apply for the Mentoring Children of Military Families Program Grant, applicants must follow the application guidelines provided by the DoD. The application process typically involves the following steps:

  • Review the grant solicitation and application guidelines. The DoD releases a solicitation each year outlining the goals and priorities of the Mentoring Children of Military Families Program Grant and the application requirements.
  • Develop and submit a comprehensive application. The application should include a detailed description of the proposed mentoring program, including how it will be implemented and evaluated. It should also include a detailed budget and a plan for recruiting and retaining mentors and youth participants.
  • Wait for the results. The DoD reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the strength of the proposed programs and how well they align with the goals and priorities of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions for accepting the grant.

In Conclusion,

Youth mentoring programs play a critical role in helping young people to succeed in life. However, securing funding can be a challenge for these organizations. The grants listed above provide a range of opportunities for mentoring programs to obtain the funding they need to continue their important work.

If you run a mentoring program or are considering starting one, we encourage you to explore these grant opportunities and apply for the ones that are the best fit for your organization. With the right funding and support, your program can make a significant difference in the lives of the youth you serve.

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