HARRISBURG, PA — Community organizations across Pennsylvania can now compete for $5 million in state funding aimed at preventing youth violence and reducing involvement in the juvenile justice system after a state committee approved a new three-year plan.
What This Means for You
- Up to $250,000 per project is available for youth-focused prevention and reentry programs.
- Counties, nonprofits, colleges, and private providers can apply.
- Applications are due by Monday, April 6, 2026.
The funding follows approval of the Commonwealth’s 2025 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Plan by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee. The plan outlines statewide strategies intended to expand prevention efforts, divert young people from deeper system involvement, and strengthen support for those reentering their communities after placement.
PCCD is now seeking applications under its 2025–2027 Violence and Delinquency Prevention Programs solicitation.
“Improving community safety and advancing opportunities for young people is a top priority for PCCD and the Shapiro-Davis Administration,” PCCD Executive Director Kirsten Kenyon said. “This funding represents a critical investment in prevention, diversion, and reentry strategies, helping young people avoid unnecessary or deepened system involvement and creating pathways to success.”
Eligible applicants include counties and municipalities, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and private providers that serve youth involved in the justice system.
Projects may run for up to 24 months, with applicants permitted to request up to $250,000.
Plan Priorities
The newly approved plan emphasizes several focus areas:
- Strengthening early prevention programs at the local level.
- Expanding diversion and deflection efforts, which redirect youth away from formal court processing when appropriate.
- Reducing recidivism, or repeat offenses, by building life skills and competencies for youth returning from placement.
- Increasing youth engagement in shaping policies and programs.
- Improving coordination among schools, courts, child welfare agencies, and community organizations.
Officials said the goal is to improve collaboration across systems so families can more easily access services regardless of where they live.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through PCCD’s Egrants System by Monday, April 6, 2026. Awards are expected to be considered for approval by the full Commission in June 2026.
PCCD will post a pre-recorded informational webinar and additional guidance for applicants on its Active Funding Announcements webpage at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pccd/resources/active-funding-announcements. Questions may be directed to RA-PCCD-OJJDP@pa.gov.
The funding announcement marks the first major implementation step tied to the Commonwealth’s 2025 juvenile justice plan.
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