City’s Annual Community Safety, Youth Engagement Grant Programs Open Nov. 2
October 20, 2026, 12:02 a.m.

Starting Nov. 2, youth-serving nonprofit and community organizations in Knoxville can apply for grant funding through the City’s Office of Community Safety and Empowerment. Applications are due Dec. 2, at 4:30 p.m.

“Every young person deserves the opportunity to see a future for themselves and the support they need to reach it,” says Community Safety and Empowerment Director LaKenya Middlebrook. “These investments allow us to support organizations meeting young people where they are. When we invest intentionally in young people at every stage, we strengthen not only their futures, but the safety, resilience and well-being of our entire community.”

Grants will be available in two categories:

Opportunity Youth Engagement grants support programs, activities and/or employment specifically engaging young people ages 16-24 who are at the highest risk of involvement in violent crime. Grantees will serve at least three young people referred by Knox County Juvenile Court. Awards will range from $5,000 to $40,000 for programming taking place May 3 - Oct. 15, 2027.

Middle School Future Readiness Cohort grants support programs and activities that help middle-school students (ages 11-14) build self-awareness, self-regulation, confidence and hope for the future through career exploration, mentoring, workplace exposure, project-based learning, and employability skill development. Awards will be up to $10,000 for programming taking place March 1 - Sept. 15, 2027.

Mayor Indya Kincannon established the Office of Community Safety and Empowerment in August 2021 to address and reduce violence within the community through a coordinated and strategic approach. OCSE staff works collaboratively with City departments, community organizations and stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable solutions focused on enhancing public safety and promoting social equity.

Applications, guidelines, technical assistance materials and staff contacts are posted at www.knoxvilletn.gov/1589/Grant-Opportunities.