One Lexington opens application process for violence prevention grants supporting local youth programs

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Community groups working to prevent gun violence among young people in Lexington can now apply for funding through the One Lexington Violence Prevention Grant program.

City officials say applications opened today for grants of up to $10,000, aimed at supporting organizations that work with youth and young adults between the ages of 10 and 29. The grants are part of the city’s ongoing effort to reduce community violence and support prevention programs on the ground.

According to the city, funding for the upcoming grant cycle will not be finalized until the Urban County Council approves the 2026-27 budget. A final vote on that budget is scheduled for June 9.

This marks the fifth year for the One Lexington grant program. Last year, 18 nonprofit organizations received funding totaling $150,000.

“These community partners join One Lexington on the front lines in the fight to make Lexington a safer place by keeping our young people, age 10-29, away from gun violence,” One Lexington Director Devine Carama said in a release.

City leaders say the program is part of a broader strategy that has shown measurable results. In 2025, Lexington experienced its fourth straight year of declining gun violence. Officials say the city recorded the fewest youth homicides in a decade and the lowest number of gunshot victims since 2010. Overall, violence involving young people has dropped by about 60 percent since 2021.

Organizations interested in applying must either hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or partner with a fiscal sponsor that has that designation. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Thursday, March 19.

To help potential applicants, the Community Action Council will host a one-time informational webinar at 3 p.m. on Feb. 26 to answer questions about the process.