City awards $115K in microgrants to support community crime prevention
Published on February 26, 2026
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The City has awarded a total of $115,500 in micro-grant funding to boost community-led crime and violence prevention activities and programs. The funding is from the Empowering Community Safety Microgrant Program led by the City’s Economic and Community Development Department and in collaboration with the Office of Community Safety.
“These micro-grants are about building safer communities from the ground up,” said Director of Economic and Community Development Chris Cauley. “By investing directly in the people and organizations doing the work every day, we are supporting efforts that reduce violence, strengthen families and create real pathways to stability and opportunity for youth and adults across Fayetteville.”
22 micro-grants were awarded, ranging from $1,500 to the maximum amount of $10,000.
The grant recipients include:
Tier Four Recipients:
Greater Life of Fayetteville (GLOF)
Program: Crime Prevention Dining In – “Effects of Gun Violence: I Have a Chance”
This trauma-informed, three-part dialogue series supports youth ages 8–17 and their families impacted by gun violence. Shared meals create safe spaces for facilitated conversations that strengthen communication, conflict resolution and emotional regulation to break cycles of violence.
ROOTS Mentoring
Program: ROOTS Safe Space Initiative
Provides in-school mentoring across eight Cumberland County Schools alongside community-based enrichment clubs in barbering, yoga, creative arts, and boxing. The initiative builds strong school-to-community connections while reinforcing positive behavior and goal-setting.
Future Endeavors Life Program
Program: 31 Blessons: N.O. C.A.P. — Trauma-Informed Anger Management Series
A structured, multi-session anger management program led by certified specialists. Participants develop emotional regulation, accountability and conflict de-escalation skills to prevent violence before it escalates.
Cumberland County Association for Indian People
Program: Economic Activation
Phase 1 reactivates Native American community spaces with youth open gyms, senior programming, weekly cultural classes, and monthly gatherings. The project strengthens intergenerational connections and expands structured engagement opportunities.
T-House Technology Training & Consulting
Program: STEM After-School Enrichment (Coding, AI, Cybersecurity)
Hands-on STEM programming delivered in recreation centers provides youth with safe after-school engagement while building real-world skills in coding, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity to promote long-term economic mobility.
Jai6 Youth Foundation
Program: Peace in Practice – Community Safe Space Activations
Community-led safe space events in parks, schools, and churches offering recreation, wellness, conflict resolution, and family engagement to strengthen trust and reduce community conflict.
Communities In Schools of North Carolina
Program: Preparing Fayetteville’s NextGen Workforce at Alger B. Wilkins High School
Expands integrated student supports through attendance, behavior, coursework, and parent engagement interventions, helping students graduate prepared for career and college pathways.
All In Together Development Agency Level Up Movement
Program: Bridging Pathways Forward
Provides transition planning, mentoring, and life-skills training for youth ages 14–21 in foster care and group homes, reducing risks associated with homelessness and justice involvement.
YouthTHRIVE of NC
Project Rising Roots
Funding will deliver structured yoga, mindfulness, and introductory golf programming to build discipline, emotional regulation, and positive decision-making skills.
Widow’s Mite 2nd Chancers, Inc.
Provides transportation, mentoring, and workforce support for individuals experiencing deep poverty, including returning citizens. Wraparound services promote employment stability and reduce recidivism.
Tier Three Recipients:
ZCMMMP (Zenaida Cranford Mentor Mentee Mentorship Program)
Program: Weekend Wellness & Self-Defense Camp + “The Crux” Movie Night
A preventive wellness initiative for girls ages 12–17 featuring self-defense training, emotional wellness development, and a guided discussion event to reinforce resilience and confidence.
Money Box Academy Inc.
Program: Money in Motion – Community Financial Literacy Initiative
A multi-site financial literacy activation offering budgeting, income planning, and money management workshops for youth and families to build long-term economic resilience.
Hidden Gems
Program: Princess Empowerment – Learning and Loving Me
Ongoing mentorship for young girls focused on self-confidence, leadership development, cultural exposure, and building supportive sisterhood relationships.
Southern CC Inc.
Program: Veterans for Youth – Community Violence Prevention & Creative Engagement
Veteran-led mentorship and structured creative workshops that promote teamwork, communication, and positive youth engagement.
NCNW (National Council of Negro Women – Fayetteville Area Section)
Program: CodeHER Future
A 12-week coding and AI initiative empowering girls ages 10–15 with hands-on STEM training, mentorship from women in technology, and a culminating community showcase.
Tier Two Recipients:
Massey Hill Community Watch
Program: Massey Hill TIGERS Youth Activities
Provides structured youth engagement, after-school snacks, life-skills cooking lessons, and educational field trips in a high-need neighborhood.
Julia Mae Community Foundation
Program: A Mother’s Promise
Bi-weekly support for pregnant and parenting young adults, offering mentorship, parenting education, academic guidance, and workforce preparation.
Mt. Sinai After-School Tutorial Program
Program: Mt. Sinai After-School Tutorial Program
Offers reading, language arts, and math tutoring for K–5 students while fostering emotional and social growth through mentorship.
Suicide Faith Street Ministry
Program: SkillBridge Academy
Workforce training in barbering, culinary arts, electrical fundamentals, and more, paired with mentoring and community service engagement.
Seabrook Broadell Neighborhood Watch
Program: 4th Annual “I Love My Community” Day
A community-building event strengthening relationships between residents, nonprofits, and first responders through engagement and neighborhood beautification.
Tier One Recipients:
Unity in Our Community
Program: P2TCCB Community GED & Literacy Readiness Program
Family-centered literacy and GED preparation that strengthens educational stability and reduces long-term crime risk factors.
Soul Trackers on the Move
Program: Soul Tracker on the Move
A faith-based crime prevention initiative providing mentorship, workshops, peace walks, and security camera support for community churches to deter crime and promote shared responsibility.
Special considerations were given to awardees that focused on community-led safe space activations. A safe space activation is a community-centered investment that makes existing spaces more welcoming, usable and trauma-informed.
This effort aligns with the City Council’s ongoing commitment to a comprehensive approach to community safety and is part of an overall strategy to prevent crime and violence across the City through innovation and impact.
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