The Albany County Legislature, together with the Albany County Department of Mental Health, Department of Children, Youth and Families, and the County Executive’s Office, has announced $100,000 in funding to support anti-bullying and youth violence prevention programs. This funding is aimed at schools, after-school programs, and community-based organizations serving youth in Albany County, New York.
Bullying and youth violence continue to be significant challenges in schools and youth spaces, impacting the mental, emotional, and physical health of both victims and perpetrators. These behaviors create toxic environments that harm the quality of life and educational success of young people.
Individual grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded based on the scope and quality of proposals. Programs must provide education on recognizing and preventing bullying and violence, offer counseling services related to verbal or physical violence, or deliver prevention and intervention strategies for harassment, bullying, and violence. They may also include training for teachers, health professionals, and community members to identify and respond to bullying or activities that teach youth how to stop and report bullying. Programs that aim to fully eliminate bullying behaviors are encouraged.
Eligible applicants include public school districts and charter schools in Albany County that wish to implement evidence-based anti-bullying curricula, create educational campaigns to promote inclusivity, or develop media awareness campaigns using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others. Private individuals, nonprofits, community organizations, BOCES, and other non-public entities may also apply.
For more information, visit Albany County.