Nonprofit community-based organizations may apply for local mini grant assistance funding for grassroots and community-based organizations to fund direct service programming to support youth, families and communities throughout New York State. Applicants can apply for this in one of two categories, including: Category 1: Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and Youth Scholarship Program (1 award), Anticipated Award Amount: $250,000. This funding will be used to create a Youth Action Committee (YAC), up to $200,000, that would be a youth-led decision-making body designed to make recommendations to the New York State Juvenile Justice Advisory Group (JJAG) supporting the development of youth-led programming and funding recommendations to be considered for future JJAG supported programming and initiatives. Additionally, up to $50,000 of this award is allocated to support youth and young adult scholarships to advance access to educational and vocational opportunities for justice-involved youth and for those returning to the community from facilities. Category 2: Local Assistance Mini Grants, Anticipated Award Amount: Up to $75,000 (15 awards). Approximately $1,000,000 will be made available to award local assistance grants for up to $75,000 per grantee to community-based organizations, which will fund direct service programming to support youth, families, and communities throughout NYS. Questions for the request for applications must be submitted to dcjsfunding@dcjs.ny.gov by Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Responses to those questions will be posted on or about Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The deadline for applications is noon on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: None. Minority / Women Business Enterprise contracting goals (MWBE) MBE Goal: 25.00% WBE Goal: 5.00%