Grants & Funding
New Opportunities

Grants & Funding Opportunities

Active grants, application templates, and funding strategies to help your chapter secure the resources needed to serve your community.

6 Active Opportunities
$5M AMB Strategic Goal
$50K Avg Chapter Grant
3 Templates Available
FEATURED — 2025 Open Application

Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation
Local Grant Program

Supporting grassroots mental health nonprofits in underserved communities

Award: Up to $25,000 Foundation Grant Open — Apply Now 4th Year Renewal
OJJDP
Federal — Dept. of Justice
Open

Title V Community Prevention Grants

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention funds community-based organizations that address juvenile delinquency through prevention programs. AMB chapters are strong candidates due to the documented crime-reduction outcomes of the Midnight Basketball League Program™ model.

$50,000 – $500,000
Rolling / Annual
Youth 10–18

AMB Eligibility Notes

  • Must demonstrate evidence-based programming approach
  • Crime statistics and outcome data required
  • Partnership with local law enforcement recommended
  • State agency coordination may be required
HUD
Federal — Housing & Urban Dev.
Open

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

HUD's CDBG program provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. Midnight Basketball League Program™ chapters can access these funds through local government partnerships for facility upgrades, program expansion, and youth services.

$25,000 – $250,000
Annual — City Budget Cycle
Low-to-Moderate Income Areas

AMB Eligibility Notes

  • Apply through your local city or county government
  • Must serve primarily low-to-moderate income residents
  • Facility-based activities are eligible uses
  • Partner with housing authority for stronger application
DOJ / BJA
Federal — Bureau of Justice Assistance
Rolling

Second Chance Act Reentry Programs

The Second Chance Act supports reentry programs that reduce recidivism. AMB's employment and education components directly address the needs of formerly incarcerated youth and young adults re-entering communities — making chapters strong candidates for this funding stream.

$100,000 – $1,000,000
Annual Application Cycle
Ages 18–24 (Reentry Focus)

AMB Eligibility Notes

  • Must demonstrate reentry service capacity
  • Partnership with probation/parole offices strengthens application
  • Employment placement outcomes are key metric
  • National HQ notification required before applying
Corporate Partnerships
Private — Corporate CSR Funding
Year-Round

Local Corporate Sponsorship Program

Many local and national corporations have Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets that support youth development, crime prevention, and community empowerment. AMB chapters can approach local businesses with a structured sponsorship proposal using the AMB deck.

$2,500 – $50,000+
Year-Round / Budget Season
Tiered Sponsorship Levels

Sponsorship Tier Guide

  • Gold ($25K+): Title sponsor, logo on all materials, VIP event access
  • Silver ($10K): Co-sponsor, website listing, program recognition
  • Bronze ($5K): Sponsor recognition, social media mentions
  • Friend ($2.5K): Program supporter recognition
AMB National
Internal Chapter Support Fund
Apply HQ

AMB Chapter Development Fund

AMB National maintains a Chapter Development Fund for licensed chapters in good standing that need startup or operational support. Eligible uses include equipment, facility deposits, staff training, and program launch costs. Applications reviewed quarterly.

$5,000 – $25,000
Quarterly Review Cycle
Licensed Chapters Only

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a licensed AMB chapter in good standing
  • 501(c)(3) status must be current
  • No outstanding National fee obligations
  • Board resolution authorizing application required
CDC / SAMHSA
Federal — Health & Prevention
Annual

Violence Prevention & Mental Health Programs

The CDC's violence prevention initiatives and SAMHSA's mental health block grants both fund community-based organizations addressing youth violence, trauma, and mental health. The Midnight Basketball League Program™ — AMB's comprehensive crime prevention initiative — and its Health Component (which includes the SCARED STIFF partner curriculum) make chapters directly eligible.

$50,000 – $300,000
Annual Solicitation
Health & Violence Prevention

AMB Eligibility Notes

  • SCARED STIFF (AMB partner program) session data strengthens application
  • Partnerships with mental health providers required
  • Outcome data collection systems needed
  • State health department coordination recommended

Grant Application Templates

Ready-to-customize templates for your chapter's grant applications

AMB Generic Grant Narrative

Template

A complete grant narrative template covering all standard sections: organizational overview, needs statement, program description, evaluation plan, budget justification, and sustainability. Customized with AMB data and statistics.

Saks Foundation Application Template

Grant

Pre-filled application template for the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation Local Grant Program. Covers mental health programming narrative, organizational capacity section, and budget template aligned with the 2025 grant requirements.

AMB Chapter Development Application

Internal

Official application for the AMB Chapter Development Fund. Includes all required sections: chapter profile, current operating budget, funding need description, board authorization letter, and sustainability plan.

Grant Writing Tips for AMB Chapters

Best practices for successful grant applications

01

Lead with Data

Always open with local crime statistics and youth unemployment rates. AMB chapters that show specific numbers — not just "crime is high" — win more grants. Request data from your local police department and school district.

02

Use the AMB Track Record

Reference AMB's 35+ year national history and documented outcomes in every application. Funders want evidence that the model works. Use the Fact Sheet statistics: 24 communities, 65,000 youth goal, crime reduction research.

03

Align with Funder Priorities

Read each funder's mission carefully and mirror their language. For violence prevention funders, emphasize that the Midnight Basketball League Program™ is AMB's core crime prevention model. For mental health funders, highlight the Health Component (including SCARED STIFF partner curriculum) and counseling. For education funders, highlight GED and school re-enrollment. For employment funders, lead with job placement outcomes.

04

Build Partnerships Before Applying

Letters of support from police departments, schools, churches, and city officials dramatically increase your chances. Start relationship-building 3–6 months before any application deadline. Use the Letter to Officials template in the Templates section.

05

Be Specific About Budget

Vague budgets kill grant applications. Use the AMB $300K budget framework as your baseline and adjust for local costs. Show you know exactly what the money will pay for — staffing, facility, equipment, programs, and admin.

06

Plan for Sustainability

Every funder asks: "What happens after our grant ends?" Show a diversified funding plan — government grants, corporate sponsors, individual donors, chapter dues, and events. Use the Budget Tools page to model multi-year sustainability.

Foundation Grant — 2025

Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation Local Grant Program

Up to $25,000 Open — Apply Now 4th Year of Program U.S.-Based Orgs Only

About the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation

The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation's mission is to make mental health a priority in communities nationwide. For the fourth consecutive year, the Foundation is renewing its Local Grant Program to support ten U.S.-based, local organizations serving the mental health needs of those in need.

Section 1 — Program Overview

The Foundation is proud to support leading mental health initiatives whose scale and technology bring access to care, awareness and education to communities nationwide. The Foundation recognizes that local, community-based organizations are critical in offering support to the health and wellbeing of those they serve.

Qualifying nonprofits are invited to submit a short proposal for a grant to fund their work. Ten organizations will be selected to receive awards.

AMB Alignment

The Association of Midnight Basketball aligns directly with Saks Foundation priorities through:

  • SCARED STIFF — AMB partner program providing gun violence awareness and mental health education within the MBL Health Component
  • Health Component — mental health counseling, trauma-informed care, substance abuse prevention
  • Case Management — connecting youth to mental health services and social supports
  • Target Population — at-risk youth ages 13–24 in underserved communities
  • Community-Based Model — neighborhood-level delivery through licensed chapters

Key Requirements

  • Must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
  • Must serve primarily local/community population (not national scope)
  • Mental health programming must be a core component of your work
  • Short proposal required (typically 5–10 pages)
  • Budget narrative and organizational financials required
  • Board list and organization overview required

Application Guidance

Use the Saks Application Template (see Templates section) which pre-populates AMB's organizational profile, mission alignment, and program descriptions. You will need to customize the local needs statement and budget with your chapter's specific data.

Contact National HQ before submitting — applications may need to be coordinated with the national office to ensure alignment with AMB's broader funding strategy.

Grant Application Template

Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation — AMB Application

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE FOUNDATION
LOCAL GRANT PROGRAM — 2025
Grant Proposal

Submitted by: Association of Midnight Basketball — [CHAPTER NAME]

Date: [DATE]

SECTION 1: ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

Organization Legal Name: Association of Midnight Basketball — [CHAPTER NAME]

Address: [STREET ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP]

Phone: [PHONE NUMBER]

Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]

Website: www.midnight-basketball.org

Federal Tax ID (EIN): 94-3225274

CA State ID: C1888781

IRS 501(c)(3) Status: Active — Letter of Determination attached

Executive Director / Contact: [NAME, TITLE]

Annual Operating Budget: [CURRENT YEAR BUDGET]

Grant Amount Requested: $[AMOUNT REQUESTED]

SECTION 2: ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Association of Midnight Basketball (AMB) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that has served at-risk youth for over 35 years. Founded June 18, 1986 in Glenarden, Maryland by Dr. G. Van Standifer, AMB has grown to 16 licensed chapters serving communities across Alabama, California, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas.

AMB's mission is to develop strong positive character among youth and young adults, ages 13–24, through violence prevention and youth stability programs and activities. We accomplish this by operating structured programming during the highest-risk hours of the night — 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM — providing young people with safe, purposeful alternatives to street activity.

SECTION 3: NEEDS STATEMENT

In [CITY/COMMUNITY NAME], young people face significant mental health challenges compounded by community violence, trauma, and limited access to professional support. Recent data shows:

  • [LOCAL CRIME STATISTIC — e.g., "Youth violent crime incidents increased X% between 2022–2024"]
  • [LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH STATISTIC — e.g., "X% of youth report symptoms of anxiety/depression with no access to services"]
  • [LOCAL SCHOOL/EMPLOYMENT STATISTIC]

The Midnight Basketball League Program™ was specifically designed to address this gap — operating during the 8 PM–1 AM window when young people are most vulnerable and least served by traditional community programs.

SECTION 4: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION — MENTAL HEALTH COMPONENTS

The requested funding will support the following mental health program components of the AMB [CHAPTER NAME] Midnight Basketball League Program™:

4.1 SCARED STIFF — Gun Violence Awareness (AMB Partner Program)
The SCARED STIFF program is an AMB partner curriculum delivered within the Midnight Basketball League Program™’s Health Component. It brings together professionals, community leaders, and healthcare workers to graphically illustrate the impact of gun violence and create positive behavioral change. Sessions are taken directly into schools, community centers, recreation centers, and juvenile detention centers, providing trauma-informed education that reduces desensitization to violence. Note: The Midnight Basketball League Program™ itself is AMB’s comprehensive crime prevention and intervention model.

4.2 Mental Health Counseling & Referrals (Health Component)
Every AMB session includes mandatory health programming that incorporates mental health screenings, counseling sessions, substance abuse prevention education, and warm referrals to licensed mental health providers. Our partnerships with [LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS] ensure that participants who need deeper support are connected to ongoing care.

4.3 Trauma-Informed Case Management
Licensed social workers conduct individual needs assessments for all participants. Staff trained in trauma-informed practices provide ongoing case management support, crisis intervention, and connections to community resources for housing, legal aid, and family services.

SECTION 5: EVALUATION PLAN

AMB [CHAPTER NAME] will measure program effectiveness through:

  • Pre/post participant surveys measuring mental health indicators (PHQ-9, GAD-7)
  • Attendance tracking: sessions attended, workshops completed
  • Referral completion rates: percentage of referred participants who engage with services
  • Police incident data during operating hours (compared to same hours prior year)
  • 6-month follow-up surveys with program graduates

Quarterly reports will be submitted to AMB National and made available to the Saks Foundation upon request.

SECTION 6: BUDGET NARRATIVE

Grant Request: $[AMOUNT]

Line ItemDescriptionAmount
Mental Health StaffPart-time licensed counselor — [HRS/WK × WEEKS × RATE]$[AMOUNT]
SCARED STIFF Program (Partner)Curriculum materials, guest speakers, program supplies (AMB partner curriculum)$[AMOUNT]
Health Workshop MaterialsEducational materials, assessments, referral coordination$[AMOUNT]
Case ManagementSocial worker stipend, referral coordination costs$[AMOUNT]
Evaluation & ReportingData collection tools, survey administration, reporting$[AMOUNT]
TOTAL$[TOTAL]

SECTION 7: SUSTAINABILITY

The AMB [CHAPTER NAME] chapter sustains its operations through a diversified funding strategy including: municipal government contracts ([% OF BUDGET]%), corporate sponsorships ([%]%), individual donations ([%]%), and foundation grants ([%]%). This grant will allow us to expand and formalize our mental health programming, making a stronger case for continued municipal investment.

Certification: The undersigned certifies that the information contained in this application is accurate and complete, and that the applying organization is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Signature: [SIGNATURE]
Name/Title: [NAME, TITLE]
Date: [DATE]

Universal Grant Template

AMB Generic Grant Narrative Template

GRANT APPLICATION NARRATIVE
Association of Midnight Basketball
[CHAPTER NAME]

Funding Agency: [AGENCY/FOUNDATION NAME]

Program/Grant Name: [GRANT PROGRAM NAME]

Amount Requested: $[AMOUNT]

Project Period: [START DATE] – [END DATE]

Submission Date: [DATE]

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Association of Midnight Basketball — [CHAPTER NAME] requests $[AMOUNT] from [FUNDER NAME] to support [BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION] serving [NUMBER] at-risk youth ages 13–24 in [COMMUNITY NAME]. AMB has operated this nationally proven model for over 35 years, delivering documented reductions in youth crime, increased educational attainment, and improved employment outcomes.

II. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

Founded on June 18, 1986 in Glenarden, Maryland by Dr. G. Van Standifer, the Association of Midnight Basketball (AMB) is a pioneer in community-based violence prevention and youth empowerment. What began as a single basketball league has grown into a national organization with 16 licensed chapters across 7 states, serving communities in Alabama, California, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas.

AMB operates on a fundamental insight: the hours between 8:00 PM and 1:00 AM are the highest-risk period for youth involvement in crime. By providing structured, engaging programming during these hours — combining athletics with mandatory educational and life-skills workshops — AMB directly interrupts the pathway from idle time to criminal activity.

For over three decades, AMB has helped more than 24 communities reduce crime, secure employment for youth, and raise education levels — with a goal of serving at least 65,000 young men and women over the next three years.

III. STATEMENT OF NEED

In [COMMUNITY NAME], the challenges facing young people are acute:

  • Youth Crime: [LOCAL CRIME STATISTICS FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT]
  • Education: [DROPOUT RATE, GRADUATION RATE DATA]
  • Employment: [YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DATA]
  • Program Gap: [WHAT SERVICES CURRENTLY DON'T EXIST IN YOUR AREA]

Traditional youth programs typically operate from 3:00–6:00 PM — missing the most dangerous hours of the night entirely. AMB's 8 PM–1 AM model was specifically designed to fill this gap.

IV. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Project Title: [PROJECT NAME]

Goals and Objectives:

Goal 1: Reduce youth crime during operating hours in [COMMUNITY]

  • Objective 1.1: Enroll [NUMBER] at-risk youth in structured programming during the 8 PM–1 AM window
  • Objective 1.2: Achieve 80% attendance rate across the 24-week program year
  • Objective 1.3: Reduce participating youth's police contact by [TARGET %]

Goal 2: Improve educational and employment outcomes for program participants

  • Objective 2.1: Connect [NUMBER] participants to educational or vocational training opportunities
  • Objective 2.2: Place [NUMBER] participants in employment or job training programs
  • Objective 2.3: Support [NUMBER] participants in GED completion or school re-enrollment

Program Activities: All six AMB program components will be delivered:

  • Education workshops (GED prep, literacy, school re-enrollment)
  • Employment training (resume, interview skills, employer partnerships)
  • Health programming (mental health, gun violence awareness via SCARED STIFF partner curriculum, substance abuse prevention)
  • Case management (individual assessments, social service referrals)
  • Cultural enrichment (arts, civic engagement, leadership development)
  • Recreation — organized midnight basketball league

V. EVALUATION PLAN

AMB [CHAPTER NAME] will track and report outcomes using the following measures:

  • Enrollment and attendance records (maintained weekly)
  • Pre/post participant surveys (knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors)
  • Police incident data during operating hours (obtained from local department)
  • Educational enrollment and completion tracking
  • Employment placement and 90-day retention data
  • 6-month post-program follow-up survey

Reports will be submitted to [FUNDER] on a [QUARTERLY/SEMI-ANNUAL/ANNUAL] basis.

VI. BUDGET SUMMARY

CategoryRequestedChapter MatchTotal
Staffing & Personnel$[AMOUNT]$[AMOUNT]$[TOTAL]
Facility Operations$[AMOUNT]$[AMOUNT]$[TOTAL]
Equipment & Supplies$[AMOUNT]$[AMOUNT]$[TOTAL]
Program Activities$[AMOUNT]$[AMOUNT]$[TOTAL]
Administration (max 15%)$[AMOUNT]$[AMOUNT]$[TOTAL]
TOTAL$[AMOUNT]$[AMOUNT]$[TOTAL]

VII. SUSTAINABILITY

AMB [CHAPTER NAME] maintains a diversified funding strategy. This grant will allow us to [EXPLAIN WHAT NEW CAPACITY THIS BUILDS], which will be sustained beyond the grant period through [MUNICIPAL FUNDING / CORPORATE SPONSORS / OTHER GRANTS / EARNED REVENUE].

The Association of Midnight Basketball is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Authorized Signature: [SIGNATURE]    Date: [DATE]

Printed Name & Title: [NAME, TITLE]

Internal AMB Application

AMB Chapter Development Fund Application

ASSOCIATION OF MIDNIGHT BASKETBALL
CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT FUND
Application for Funding

SECTION A: CHAPTER INFORMATION

Chapter Name: [CHAPTER NAME]

Chapter Director: [NAME]

Chapter Address: [ADDRESS]

Phone / Email: [PHONE] / [EMAIL]

Date Chapter Licensed: [DATE LICENSED BY AMB NATIONAL]

Chapter 501(c)(3) EIN: [EIN]

Current Operating Budget (Annual): $[BUDGET AMOUNT]

Number of Active Participants (Last Session): [NUMBER]

SECTION B: FUNDING REQUEST

Amount Requested: $[AMOUNT]

Intended Use: (check all that apply)

  • ☐ Program Launch / Startup Costs
  • ☐ Equipment (basketballs, jerseys, gym supplies)
  • ☐ Facility Deposit / Rental
  • ☐ Staff Training / Certification
  • ☐ Program Materials (curriculum, printing)
  • ☐ Marketing / Community Outreach
  • ☐ Other: [DESCRIBE]

SECTION C: NARRATIVE — DESCRIBE YOUR NEED

[Describe in 300–500 words why your chapter needs this funding, what gap it will fill, and how it aligns with AMB's mission. Include specific challenges your chapter is facing and how this investment will help overcome them.]

[YOUR NARRATIVE HERE — 300 TO 500 WORDS]

SECTION D: BUDGET DETAIL

ItemVendor/SourceCostJustification
[ITEM 1][VENDOR]$[COST][WHY NEEDED]
[ITEM 2][VENDOR]$[COST][WHY NEEDED]
[ITEM 3][VENDOR]$[COST][WHY NEEDED]
TOTAL$[TOTAL]

SECTION E: BOARD AUTHORIZATION

The Board of Directors of [CHAPTER NAME] has reviewed and approved this application at its meeting on [DATE].

Board Chair Signature: [SIGNATURE]

Printed Name: [NAME]

Date: [DATE]

Submit completed application to: AMB National HQ — compliance@midnight-basketball.org / amblpinc@gmail.com

OJJDP — Title V Prevention Grants

Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice

Program: Title V Community Prevention Grants Program

Purpose: Provides states and localities with funds to develop and implement juvenile delinquency prevention programs that are data-driven and evidence-informed.

How to Access These Funds

  • Funds flow from federal to state — contact your State OJJDP coordinator first
  • Request is typically made through your state's juvenile justice agency or DCJS office
  • You can also apply directly through grants.gov when federal solicitations open
  • Check ojjdp.gov/grants for current open solicitations

Key Tips for AMB Chapters

  • Reference AMB's 35+ year history and documented outcomes in your application
  • Obtain a letter of support from your local police department or sheriff's office
  • Use local crime statistics from police department annual reports
  • Emphasize the 8 PM–1 AM operating hours as targeting the highest-risk window

Important

Notify AMB National HQ before submitting any federal grant applications. Email compliance@midnight-basketball.org or amblpinc@gmail.com with "OJJDP Application" in subject line.

HUD — Community Development Block Grants

Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Program: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

Purpose: CDBG provides communities with flexible resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs — including funding for youth services and crime prevention programs in low-to-moderate income areas.

Access Path for Chapters

  • CDBG funds are allocated to cities and counties — NOT directly to nonprofits
  • Contact your City's Community Development or Planning Department
  • Ask about the annual CDBG subgrant application process (typically September–November)
  • Many cities have a public notice/hearing process for CDBG allocations

Building Your City Relationship

  • Use the Letter to City Officials template to introduce AMB to your mayor/city manager
  • Attend city council meetings and speak during public comment
  • Request a meeting with the Community Development Department director
  • Show crime statistics and how AMB's model directly addresses CDBG priorities

Corporate Sponsorship Strategy Guide

Identifying Corporate Prospects

  • Local businesses: Major employers in your community — banks, hospitals, grocery chains, auto dealers
  • National chains with local presence: McDonald's, Walmart, Target, Home Depot corporate giving programs
  • Professional sports teams: NBA, NFL, MLB teams often have community foundations that fund basketball programs
  • Law firms: Many have pro bono / community investment budgets
  • Real estate developers: Especially those building in your community

The Ask

  • Always request a meeting — don't just send a packet
  • Lead with impact: "Our program keeps X youth off the streets every week"
  • Bring local data and a one-page fact sheet
  • Present the tiered sponsorship menu clearly
  • Be specific: "A $10,000 Silver Sponsorship pays for 8 weeks of facility rental"

Sponsorship Benefits to Offer

  • Logo on jerseys, banners, website, social media
  • Naming rights to a program element (e.g., "XYZ Bank Employment Workshop")
  • Speaking opportunity at season kickoff or awards event
  • Impact report with photos for their CSR reporting
  • Employee volunteer opportunities at events
  • Tax donation receipt (501(c)(3) deductible)

AMB Chapter Development Fund

The AMB Chapter Development Fund provides direct financial support to licensed chapters in good standing that need startup or operational assistance.

Review Schedule

  • Q1 Review: Applications received by February 28
  • Q2 Review: Applications received by May 31
  • Q3 Review: Applications received by August 31
  • Q4 Review: Applications received by November 30

Eligible Uses

  • Equipment purchases (basketballs, jerseys, first aid supplies)
  • Facility security deposit or first month's rental
  • Staff training and certification costs
  • Program launch marketing materials
  • Technology (laptop, projector for workshops)
  • Insurance premium (first year)

NOT Eligible

  • Staff salaries (operating expenses)
  • Debt repayment
  • Individual personal expenses
  • Political activities

Questions?

Contact AMB National HQ at compliance@midnight-basketball.org / amblpinc@gmail.com or call the national office before submitting your application.

DOJ / BJA — Second Chance Act

Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice

Program: Second Chance Act Adult Reentry Programs

Purpose: Supports organizations that help individuals returning from incarceration reintegrate into communities through employment, education, and housing services.

AMB Fit

  • Employment training component directly addresses reentry needs
  • Age 18–24 focus aligns with young adult reentry population
  • Case management component provides the wrap-around support funders seek
  • Community-based model reduces recidivism through positive engagement

Application Tips

  • Partner with local reentry organizations or correctional facilities
  • Document current participants who are justice-involved
  • Track employment placement and 90-day job retention as key metrics
  • Apply through grants.gov — check BJA.gov for current solicitations

CDC / SAMHSA Health Grants

Agencies: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Relevant Programs

  • CDC — Youth Violence Prevention: Funds community interventions that prevent youth violence through evidence-based approaches
  • SAMHSA — Community Mental Health Block Grants: State-administered funds for mental health services in underserved communities
  • SAMHSA — Substance Abuse Prevention: Funds for prevention programs targeting at-risk youth

AMB's Strongest Connection Points

  • Midnight Basketball League Program™ = AMB’s core comprehensive crime prevention and intervention model (40-year track record)
  • SCARED STIFF partner program = gun violence awareness curriculum delivered within the MBL Health Component
  • Health component = mental health counseling and trauma-informed care
  • Operating hours target = 8 PM–1 AM, the highest violence-risk window
  • 35-year documented history of community crime reduction

Access Path

  • Most SAMHSA funds flow through state behavioral health agencies — contact yours first
  • CDC violence prevention grants are competitive federal solicitations via grants.gov
  • Partnerships with local health departments greatly strengthen applications