OJJDP FY 2026 Multistate Mentoring Programs
Funding for programs providing various types of mentoring to at-risk youth across multiple states to prevent delinquency and involvement in the juvenile justice system.
Funder: Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention
Due Dates: October 29, 2026: Step 1: Grants.gov Deadline (SF-424) | November 5, 2026: Step 2: JustGrants Deadline (Full Application)
Funding Amounts: $1,000,000–$4,000,000 per award (36 months); $27,200,000 total program funding; ~15 awards expected.
Summary: Supports multistate mentoring programs serving youth at risk or high risk for delinquency, victimization, or juvenile justice system involvement.
Key Information: No cost sharing or match required; applicants may submit only one application to one category.
Description
This opportunity funds organizations to implement and expand mentoring services for youth (age 17 or younger) at risk or high risk of delinquency, victimization, or entry into the juvenile justice system. Supported mentoring can be one-on-one, group, peer, or a combination, and must target youth populations with demonstrated need—especially in communities with limited access to mentoring or a shortage of trained mentors. The program seeks to improve academic, social, and behavioral outcomes for at-risk youth by increasing access to quality mentoring, expanding the reach of existing programs, and supporting evidence-based mentoring models.
Applicants must propose to deliver or expand structured, standalone mentoring programs with proven track records, and are expected to collaborate with the National Mentoring Resource Center for training and technical assistance. Funding is available across three categories depending on the scope of the applicant’s current multistate operations.
