Albany County is accepting grant applications for school, after-school, and community-based programs curbing bullying and preventing youth violence.
The Albany County Legislature, in conjunction with the County Executive’s Office, the Department of Mental Health, and the Department of Children, Youth and Families, is offering grants capped at $20,000 each from the $100,000 available.
Grants must be submitted to the Albany County Legislature by email at Grants.Legislature@albanycountyny.gov.
The deadline to apply is August 4, 2025.
More information is available at bit.ly/2025AntiBullying.
School districts, charter schools, private individuals, non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, BOCES, and other non-public entities may apply to support programs that prevent and confront the long-term effects bullying can have on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of young people that affect not only the victims but also the perpetrators.
The application process is multi-step:
- Proposal Submission, which must include:
- An executive summary detailing the project
- Anticipated expenses
- A benefits statement (How will the project add public value?)
- Overview of the need for assistance
- Appendices of renderings, drawings, project plans, or construction documents
- Review and Scoring
- Funding Recommendations
- Funding Disbursement
Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “For the past few weeks, we have seen the destruction and violence that fear, distrust, and shame can bring out of people. With these grants, we choose to support and empower schools and on-the-ground support organizations that are already in our communities offering informed, customized, personalized, and trusted programs that meet at-risk kids and families where they are. As policymakers, we recognize these organizations are breaking the cycle of violence in Albany County through mentorship, life skills building, and educational programming. In light of current events, they need resources now more than ever.”
Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: “This is part of a continued and vigorous response to help young people throughout Albany County. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about one-in-five students are bullied. It jumps to more than one-in-four for African American students. Less than half of them tell anyone or get help. Mastering long division and document-based question essays are challenging enough for developing brains without the shame and fear that bullying brings. We want this funding to help our students believe in themselves and each other. That is a fundamental part of growing up.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said: “Our children deserve to grow up in an environment where they feel safe and supported, free from bullying or violence. This is more than a funding opportunity; it’s a call to action. If your organization is already working in this space or has a bold new idea for a program, I strongly encourage you to apply. Together, we can build a stronger, kinder future for the next generation.”
