The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is making an estimated awards up $1,000,000 in federal funds available to local units of government and state agencies. The goal of this funding initiative is to provide applicants with an opportunity to execute programs designed to build or support safe communities, including but not limited to projects designed to address youth violence and substance use specifically surrounding the fentanyl crisis. These federal funds are available under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act Title II Formula Grants Program from the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

This announcement provides guidance to aid applicants in determining eligibility, developing a program narrative, developing the itemized budget and budget narrative, and completing other related forms. Using the guidance presented in this document, applicants should be able to prepare complete applications efficiently and effectively in the On-line Grant Management System (OGMS).

Funds awarded for this initiative may only be utilized for Consultants, Travel, Subsistence, Equipment, and/or Supplies and Other Expenses. Awards will be considered on a competitive basis, and applicants must address all the key components outlined in these grant guidelines to be eligible for consideration. 

Purpose

The purpose of the Title II grant program is to “support a continuum of evidence-based or promising programs that are trauma informed, reflect the science of adolescent development, and are designed to meet the needs of youth.” The applicant must present a clear plan for sustainability. Applicants seeking to expand or replicate an existing project must be able to demonstrate progress and success in what has been done through the life of the project. For this solicitation, the focus is to address youth violence and illegal substance use. Recently, youth violence has become a major topic of concern and has had a significant impact on local communities and school divisions across the Commonwealth. Local agencies have exhausted dedicated resources to address the many challenging behaviors which surfaced post-pandemic along with mitigating community violence that often spills over into school settings. 

Furthermore, the Fentanyl epidemic has become both a national security concern and a serious public health emergency. As a result, Virginia Governor Glenn Younkin signed Executive Order 26, which directs the launch of a new comprehensive Fentanyl-fighting strategy across public safety, prevention, education, and treatment, to help fight the epidemic. The executive order comes on top of the Governor’s Right Help, Right Now plan to transform behavioral health, which includes a critical goal to reduce opioid overdoses in Virginia by 20 percent. 

Funding is available under this solicitation to provide prevention and intervention programs and services for youth and their families who are or have been affected by the Fentanyl epidemic.

Webinar Grant Guideline 

Date: October 11, 2023, at 1:00pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArdu2hrTorH9U3DJKJRo4HWElwpqU46Gx_