The City of Knoxville has opened applications for grant funding through its Office of Community Safety and Empowerment, aimed at fostering a safer and more equitable community. Established by Mayor Indya Kincannon in 2020, the department focuses on initiatives that enhance safety and communication among residents, city departments, and community organizations, especially those working with youth and addressing economic development and violence prevention.
Community Safety and Empowerment Director LaKenya Middlebrook emphasizes the mission of the office to collaborate with and empower community organizations to achieve shared goals. The grant funding is intended to support community-based programs that effectively reach targeted audiences.
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The grant programs available include:
– **African American Equity Restoration Task Force**: Supporting efforts in East Knoxville in areas such as education, community engagement, homeownership, and workforce equity with a deadline of December 5.
– **Opportunity Youth Engagement**: Aimed at high-quality youth programs and employment for individuals at risk of violent crime involvement, with applications due by December 5.
– **Youth Violence Prevention Week**: Funding for activities aligned with National Youth Violence Prevention Week, occurring from April 28 to May 2, 2025. The deadline for applications is December 5.
– **Empower Knox Workforce Readiness**: Focused on social, emotional, and workforce development for youth ages 12-24, with a submission deadline of December 5.
– **Empower Knox Event Funding**: Supporting community events fostering positive connections for youth ages 12-24, with applications accepted until May 1, 2025, for events occurring between January 1 and September 15, 2025.
Interested parties can find grant applications, guidelines, and contact information on the Knoxville Office of Community Safety and Empowerment website.
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