Federal Youth Funding Agencies
The federal agencies that bring you FindYouthInfo.gov also provide funding to address youth issues. Below are descriptions of the agencies' major funding programs. We have provided links to funding information where available.
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)
The CNCS is the nation’s largest grantmaker supporting service, voluntarism, citizenship, and responsibility. Through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, CNCS provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to express their patriotism while addressing critical community needs.
Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
The ONDCP oversees the implementation of the President’s policies for reducing drug use in America by preventing drug use before it starts, healing America’s drug users, and disrupting the market for illegal drugs by attacking the economic basis of the drug trade.
Drug-Free Communities Support Program (DFCSP) Program description and funding opportunities
The DFCSP supports more than 700 drug-free community coalitions across the United States. The program is based on the fundamental idea that local problems need local solutions by bringing citizens together to prevent and reduce drug, alcohol, and tobacco use among youth, including tribal communities.
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program description
HIDTA provides federal resources to local areas to help eliminate or reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences. Law enforcement organizations assess drug-trafficking problems and design initiatives to reduce or eliminate the production, manufacture, transportation, distribution, and chronic use of illegal drugs and money laundering. HIDTAs include Native American areas that fall within their regions.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
NIFA advances knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities by supporting research, education, and extension programs in the Land-Grant University System and other partner organizations. NIFA funds research, education, and extension at the state and local levels and provides program leadership in these areas.
- NIFA funding opportunities
- 4-H Youth Development Program
- Children, Youth and Families at Risk Program
- Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
FNS administers the food and nutrition assistance programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. FNS provides children and needy families with better access to food and a more healthful diet through its programs and nutrition education efforts.
- FNS funding opportunities
- Food Distribution Program description
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamp information) description
- State agencies administering the Child Nutrition Programs contact information
USDA Rural Development
Rural Development is working to eliminate substandard housing from rural America by helping citizens buy, build, or rent decent housing. The division funds the growth and creation of rural businesses and cooperatives. Other Rural Development programs help communities build or improve utilities and facilities such as schools, health clinics, and fire stations.
- Rural Development funding notices
- Rural Development Housing & Community Facilities Program descriptions and funding opportunities
- Community Facilities grant program description
U.S. Department of Education (ED)
Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS)Program description
The OSDFS provides financial assistance for drug and violence prevention activities and programs that promote the health and well-being of students. It also supports character education and counseling in elementary and secondary schools and in institutions of higher education. Funds are provided to local and state educational agencies, institutions of higher education, the Bureau of Indian Education, tribal colleges, and other public and private nonprofit organizations.
- OSDFS funding opportunities
- Additional funding information available through the PreventionED Listserv
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Administration for Children and Families (DHHS/ACF)
The ACF partners with local and state governments, American Indian tribes and Native American communities, non-profit organizations, and faith- and community-based organizations to design, administer, and promote programs that strengthen children, families, and communities. ACF has a strong commitment to supporting initiatives and programs that address the needs, strengths, and abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities, refugees, and underserved populations.
- Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program description and funding opportunities
- Runaway and Homeless Youth Program description and funding opportunities
- Community-Based Abstinence Education Program description and funding opportunities
- Native American Program description and funding opportunities
Health Resources Services Administration (DHHS/HRSA)
The HRSA improves access to health care for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. HRSA supplies leadership and financial support to health care providers in every state and territory. Its grantees provide health care to uninsured people, people living with HIV/AIDS, pregnant women, mothers, and children—including adolescents. Grantees also train health professionals and improve systems of care for rural communities.
Maternal and Child Health Bureau (DHHS/MCHB)
MCHB seeks a nation where there is equal access for all to quality health care in a supportive, culturally competent, family and community setting. Programs include: Title V Block Grant to States; Discretionary Grant Programs; programs for Women and Infants; Child Health and Safety; Oral Health; Children with Special Health Care Needs; Adolescents; Data, Evaluation & Epidemiology; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Genetics; Research; Training; Traumatic Brain Injury; and Women's Health.
- Maternal and Child Health funding opportunities
- Maternal and Child Health Training Program grant opportunities
- Bureau of Health Professions Program information and funding opportunities
- National Health Services Corps Program description and funding opportunities
- State Adolescent Health Coordinators
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (DHHS/SAMHSA)
SAMHSA’s programs build resilience and facilitate recovery for people with, or at risk for, mental or substance-use disorders. The agency develops programs to improve outcomes for children and youth with and/or at risk for mental, substance use, and/or co-occurring disorders, and for their families. This is accomplished by increasing access to a continuum of comprehensive, integrated, and culturally and linguistically competent services and supports that include prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery. SAMHSA supports states’ efforts to develop community-based systems of care and to promote public information initiatives that address critical concerns—from family strengthening and school violence prevention, to help for children.
- SAMHSA funding opportunities
- Children and Family Services program description
- Child, Adolescent & Family program description
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- HUD funding opportunities
- Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Program description
- Neighborhood Networks Program description
- HUD State Contacts
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (DOJ/OJJDP)
The OJJDP provides national leadership, coordination, and resources to prevent and respond to juvenile delinquency and victimization. This is accomplished by helping communities, states, and tribal jurisdictions develop and implement effective and coordinated prevention and intervention programs. It also helps improve the juvenile justice system's ability to protect public safety, hold offenders accountable, and provide treatment and rehabilitative services tailored to juveniles and their families.
OJJDP sponsors research, program, and training initiatives; develops priorities and guides federal juvenile justice policy; disseminates information about juvenile justice issues; and provides funding to states to support local programming nationwide. Funded program areas include mentoring, gang prevention, youth courts, reentry, tribal youth, and family strengthening.
OJJDP provides funding to states, territories, localities, and private organizations, including faith-based institutions, through formula, block, or discretionary grants.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
The ETA administers federal government job training and worker dislocation programs, federal grants to states for public employment service programs, and unemployment insurance benefits. These services are primarily provided through state and local workforce development systems.
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Map My Community is a tool designed specifically to assist you in locating resources in your community to help you build and strengthen your youth program. Get ideas for new partnerships, identify gaps in your community, and learn about resources to avoid duplication of effort.
