The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) FY25 National Mentoring Programs aims to expand and enhance mentoring services for youth at risk of delinquency, victimization, or juvenile justice system involvement. With total funding of $45,000,000, the program expects to make up to four awards, each capped at $30,000,000. The period of performance ranges from 12 to 36 months, starting on October 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted in two stages: the initial SF-424 form via Grants.gov by March 5, 2025, and the full application in JustGrants by March 19, 2025.

This program targets mentoring services for youth aged 17 or younger who face risk factors such as family or school instability, justice system involvement, or community environments characterized by violence and poor resources. Applicants are encouraged to serve historically underserved populations, including American Indian and Alaska Native youth, children of military families, and those impacted by parental incarceration. Mentoring models can be individual, group-based, or hybrid and should address issues such as bullying, substance misuse, and academic challenges. The initiative also emphasizes the use of evidence-based practices and effective program enhancements.

Eligible applicants include national organizations with affiliates in at least 45 states. They must subaward at least 90 percent of the funds to affiliates in at least 38 states, maintaining oversight while minimizing administrative costs. Cost-sharing is not required for this program. Applicants should have robust systems for managing subawards and demonstrate a history of delivering mentoring services to diverse populations. Faith-based and community organizations are eligible, provided they comply with federal regulations.

The application requires a proposal narrative, budget detail form, project timeline, and other supporting documents. The proposal should outline the project’s goals, the target population, mentoring models, and anticipated outcomes, supported by data. Applicants must also include a plan for engaging youth and families in program design and implementation. Key performance measures include the number of youth and mentors served, new mentoring matches, and program enhancements aligned with effective practices.

Evaluation criteria focus on the relevance and feasibility of the project design, the applicant’s capacity to manage the program, and cost-effectiveness. Applications must address the identified needs of target populations and demonstrate alignment with OJJDP’s priorities of treating youth as children, serving them within their communities, and creating opportunities for system-involved youth. Geographic diversity and the applicant's past performance may also influence funding decisions.

Award notifications will be made by September 30, 2025. Recipients must submit quarterly financial and semi-annual performance reports and comply with all federal regulations, including civil rights and financial management standards. For assistance, applicants can contact OJJDP through various support channels or consult the OJP Application Resource Guide for detailed instructions.