15 Activities and Program Grants to Support At-Risk Teens and Their Families
In today’s challenging environment, organizations that support at-risk teens and their parents and families play an essential role in helping young people overcome obstacles and build brighter futures. However, sustaining these programs requires resources, and many organizations seek funding through grants to cover their costs. Here, we will explore 15 currently available grants and 15 practical and effective potential programmatic activities that support at-risk teens and their families.
How to Find Grant Funding for Organizations Supporting At-Risk Teens and Their Families
GrantWatch is a leading online resource that compiles a comprehensive directory of currently available grants for nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals. It offers a user-friendly platform where organizations can search for funding opportunities tailored to their needs. By subscribing to GrantWatch, users can access detailed information on various grants, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and funding amounts. This makes it an invaluable tool for organizations supporting at-risk teens and their families, as it streamlines the process of identifying and applying for relevant grants.
Author’s note: The following list of grants is a sampling of the grants available for nonprofits, health professionals and individuals who work with at-risk teens and their families.
15 Programs for At-Risk Teens and Families with Grants to Match
1. Parenting Skills Workshops
Objective: Equip parents with skills to communicate effectively, set boundaries, and support their teens through challenges.
These workshops can cover practical strategies for positive discipline, active listening, and creating a safe home environment. They often include role-playing exercises, peer support discussions, and expert-led sessions on adolescent development and psychology.
Family Support: Grants to nonprofits for initiatives in the areas of education, family support, youth, workforce, and justice.
2. Family Counseling and Therapy Sessions
Objective: Provide a safe space for families to address unresolved issues, improve relationships, and strengthen bonds.
Trained therapists can facilitate family counseling sessions, where teens and their parents learn healthier communication skills and coping mechanisms. Therapy may address issues such as trauma, substance abuse, mental health, or other stressors impacting family dynamics.
Families and Young People: Grants up to $25,000 to family and youth councils for initiatives to benefit families and young people between ages 0 and 25.
3. Youth Mentorship Programs
Objective: Offer at-risk teens the guidance and support of a positive role model outside the family unit.
Mentorship programs pair teens with mentors who understand their challenges and can provide ongoing support and advice. Regular check-ins and activities help build trust and encourage positive behaviors, while mentors also reinforce the lessons learned in family-focused sessions.
Family and Community Programs: Up to $5,000 for activities that build, support, and strengthen families and communities.
4. Support Groups for Parents
Objective: Foster a supportive community where parents can share their experiences and learn from one another.
Support groups allow parents to connect with others who understand their struggles, reducing feelings of isolation. Facilitators can introduce topics such as stress management, self-care, and ways to impact their child’s mental health positively.
Youth Mental Wellbeing: Grants to mental health professionals to promote the mental wellbeing of youth. Funding helps families pay for mental-health care for children under 21.
5. Life Skills Training for Teens
Objective: Prepare teens for adulthood by teaching them essential life skills.
Life skills training covers decision-making, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and goal-setting. By developing these skills, teens are better equipped to make responsible choices and navigate the pressures they face.
Benefit Local Residents: Grants for programs that prioritize food access, youth development, family stability, and human services.
6. Educational Workshops on Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Objective: Educate both teens and parents on the risks of substance abuse and the importance of mental health.
These workshops address common mental health challenges and provide practical advice on managing stress and recognizing the signs of substance abuse. Parents learn how to support their teens, while teens are given tools to make healthier choices and seek help when needed.
Societal Issues: Grants to nonprofit organizations in eligible counties to address current and future societal issues.
7. School-Based Partnership Programs
Objective: Build a bridge between schools and families to improve teens’ educational experiences.
Partnering with schools allows organizations to provide resources like tutoring, after-school programs, or workshops on academic success. This holistic support benefits both the teens and their parents, who are more equipped to engage with their child’s education.
Support Children in Need: Grants to nonprofits to provide education, health, and well-being opportunities for children.
8. Behavioral and Emotional Regulation Workshops
Objective: Help teens and parents understand emotional triggers and develop healthier responses.
These workshops often include mindfulness, anger management techniques, and other emotional regulation skills. Parents learn to model healthy behavior, while teens develop tools to manage intense emotions constructively.
Bereavement Services for Youth: Grants for children’s bereavement services. Funding expands services for families and children dealing with grief and loss.
9. Job Readiness Programs for Older Teens
Objective: Equip older teens with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
Job readiness programs provide training on resume writing, interview skills, workplace etiquette, and job search strategies. Some programs even partner with local businesses to offer internships or shadowing opportunities, giving teens real-world experience and a sense of purpose.
Children and Families in Urban Poverty: Initiatives to benefit children and families living in urban poverty. Focus: education, health, and family economic stability.
10. Parent-Teen Recreational Activities
Objective: Strengthen family bonds through fun, non-traditional therapy activities.
Organizing family recreational activities—such as outdoor excursions, art workshops, or community service projects—provides families with a chance to bond in a relaxed environment. These activities can improve family relationships and help teens feel more connected.
Related to Family Interests: Grants up to $5,000 to nonprofits for programs that benefit family interests, like nature and youth.
11. Crisis Intervention and Emergency Support Services
Objective: Provide immediate support to families experiencing a crisis.
Crisis intervention services offer quick access to counselors, shelter, or other resources in urgent need. These services can prevent situations from escalating and give families the support they need to stabilize.
Children With Severe Illnesses: Up to $3,500 to families and individuals in eligible counties to support children and young adults with severe illnesses.
12. Support Groups for Families with Chronically Ill Children
Objective: Offer support to families experiencing hardships due to illness.
Many parents and children struggle to understand chronic illness. Support groups offer a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, gain emotional support, and learn from others facing similar challenges.
Children With Chronic Illnesses: Grants to benefit children with chronic illnesses. Funding improves the quality of life for the child.
13. Conflict Resolution Training
Objective: Teach both parents and teens methods for de-escalating conflict constructively.
Conflict resolution training provides families with tools to navigate disagreements without escalation. This can be especially beneficial for teens who are learning to express themselves assertively without aggression and for parents who want to avoid confrontational dynamics.
Family Case Management: Up to $40,000 for programs that support childhood development, health, and family support.
14. Financial Counseling for Families
Objective: Help families manage financial stress, which can impact family relationships and stability.
Financial counseling offers budgeting advice, debt management assistance, and financial planning tips. Financial stability can reduce stress and give families a stronger foundation for healthily addressing other issues.
Family Health: Funding for family health, opportunities for youth, child crisis intervention, emergency aid, and food insecurity.
15. Cultural and Community-Based Programs
Objective: Create a sense of community and cultural pride, vital for marginalized families.
Some families benefit from culturally specific programs that celebrate their heritage and values. Programs like community gatherings, cultural events, and language preservation workshops help families feel connected to their roots and build pride in their identity.
Promote Family Well-Being: Grants to grassroots orgs, parents, guardians, and caregivers to support families who face systemic barriers to well-being.
Conclusion: Putting Grants to Work to Support At-Risk Teens and Their Families
Grant funding is invaluable for organizations working with at-risk teens and their families. By implementing activities like these, organizations can make a meaningful difference, equipping parents and teens with the skills, knowledge, and support they need. When combined with consistent funding, these programs create a holistic approach that strengthens families and provides at-risk youth with the resources to thrive.
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