Best Grants for Children in Puerto Rico

The Citi Foundation's Global Innovation Challenge invites proposals from community organizations worldwide developing innovative employment solutions for low-income youth aged 15 to 24. This initiative aims to enhance youth employability, addressing global unemployment challenges faced by millions. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support programs such as vocational training, entrepreneurship, and financial education to empower young people. The deadline for application registration is March 4, 2025, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time.

Grants for nonprofits, public schools, tribes, and eligible government entities advancing food justice for children can support youth in Puerto Rico and across the U.S.; awards Up to US $100,000 for Indigenous food justice and nutrition education or school food programs. Newmans Own Foundation funding also includes a learning cohort and potential follow-on support.

Puerto Rico youth and education nonprofits can receive up to US $50,000 in in-kind support for programs serving children and communities. JetBlue provides Puerto Rico youth services organizations with donations tied to youth/education, environment, and community initiatives, with one request per year and electronic applications required well in advance of fundraising events.

With a mission to empower youth leadership, Youth Service America provides Puerto Rico children and young people with US $250 - US $500 microgrants for youth-designed, youth-led community service projects. Eligible applicants are ages 5–25 in Puerto Rico, engaging diverse peers in awareness, service, advocacy, or philanthropy during Youth Service Month and Global Youth Service Day.

Public housing authorities partnering with child welfare agencies in Puerto Rico can seek funding to provide Housing Choice Vouchers for families and youth facing foster care placement delays or homelessness. With a mission to expand equitable and affordable housing, US HUD: Office of Public and Indian Housing offers up to US $1,700,000 for Family Unification Program vouchers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children in Puerto Rico can seek funding to support health, disability, welfare, and youth services programs. West Pharmaceutical Services supports charities focused on children’s health, children with disabilities, hospital and healthcare access, mental health, and STEM education in communities where its employees live and work, including Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico researchers focused on preventing interpersonal violence, abuse, and suicide among children and adolescents can access funding through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for mentored research projects. This K01 award supports intensive, supervised career development to build independent research careers addressing NCIPC priorities such as youth violence, sexual violence, and suicide prevention.

Puerto Rico youth-serving organizations and research institutions can seek funding to evaluate primary prevention approaches that reduce suicide and interpersonal violence among ages 10–24. Dept. of Health & Human Services: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention offers up to US $500,000 for rigorous evaluations of existing programs, policies, or practices, including those addressing online harms and technology-facilitated violence.

Puerto Rico youth-serving organizations, schools, and youth leaders ages 5–25 can receive US $1,000 to run youth-led 9/11 Day of Service projects that honor victims, families, and responders. Youth Service America supports projects between September 4–18, 2026, engaging at least 100 youth volunteers in community-focused service activities benefiting people in the U.S. territories and states.

The Residential Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children program, funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, aims to provide safe and child-centered care for unaccompanied minors. This initiative supports organizations that can offer 24/7 services and are licensed to provide necessary care, including group homes and transitional foster care, particularly in areas near the U.S. southern border, ensuring the well-being of vulnerable children.

The Early Head Start Expansion and Child Care Partnership Grants aim to enhance early childhood services for low-income families across GA, NC, and VA. With approximately $7.7 million in federal funding, this initiative will provide comprehensive support to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, fostering family stability and community prosperity. The program reflects the Administration for Children and Families' commitment to improving economic and social well-being through accessible, high-quality early education services.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program aims to enhance juvenile drug treatment courts (JDTCs) across the U.S. by supporting states, local courts, and Tribal governments. This initiative focuses on improving outcomes for youth dealing with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health issues. The program underscores the commitment of the Office of Justice Programs to strengthen community safety and provide vital resources for effective intervention and support.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance program aims to enhance the ability of state, Tribal, and local agencies to effectively address cases of missing and exploited children. This initiative will support multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement and child protection personnel, to improve investigations and prosecutions. By providing essential resources and training, the program seeks to strengthen responses to protect vulnerable children and combat related public safety issues.

Youth-serving accredited charities in Puerto Rico can seek funding for humanitarian, educational, environmental, or cultural projects that benefit children and communities. La Roche provides support for innovative, sustainable initiatives managed locally through its affiliate offices, with priority for programs engaging employees and leveraging the company’s scientific and logistical expertise.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Opioids and Other Substance Use program aims to provide high-quality mentoring services to youth affected by substance use. This funding opportunity supports various mentoring formats, including one-on-one, group, and peer mentoring, to assist those currently using substances or at risk due to familial influences. The initiative seeks to enhance the well-being of these youth through supportive relationships and guidance.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence program aims to implement effective violence reduction strategies targeting juvenile offenders. This initiative focuses on enhancing community capabilities to assist children affected by violence in various environments, including homes and schools. By strengthening local responses to child victimization, the program seeks to diminish the incidence of violence and alleviate the long-term adverse effects that such exposure can have on children's well-being.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Opioid Affected Youth Initiative provides funding to support states and localities in combating violent crime and overdose deaths. This initiative aims to enhance prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies for children, youth, and families impacted by substance use disorders. Collaboration among law enforcement, educational institutions, and community organizations is essential to effectively address the needs of at-risk populations and those already involved in the child welfare and justice systems.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Internet Crimes Against Children On-Line Child Protection System (ICACCOPS) funding opportunity aims to enhance and maintain critical investigative tools for child exploitation cases. ICACCOPS provides a robust IT infrastructure to support data services, network security, and management tools for law enforcement. This initiative strengthens the efforts of the national network of ICAC Task Forces, which are dedicated to combating technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation across the United States.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Expanding Youth Access to Community-Based Treatment program aims to enhance support for youth facing substance use and mental health challenges. This funding opportunity focuses on community-based treatment initiatives that cater to youths with substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. By fostering cross-system strategies, the program seeks to improve outcomes for at-risk youth and reduce recidivism through better access to necessary treatment services.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Juvenile Justice System Enhancements program aims to bolster the effectiveness of juvenile justice systems across the nation. By targeting high-cost drivers of crime and enhancing youth outcomes, this initiative encourages states and localities to develop strategic solutions. Applicants are invited to identify challenges within their systems and prioritize resource allocation for measurable improvements, ultimately aiming to prevent crime and improve operations within the juvenile justice framework.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Emergency Planning for Juvenile Justice Residential Facilities program aims to enhance emergency preparedness in juvenile justice facilities across the country. This funding opportunity supports the development and implementation of comprehensive emergency plans that prioritize the safety of youth and staff, ensure effective communication with families, and maintain operational continuity during crises. By empowering facilities to improve their response and recovery capabilities, the program seeks to mitigate risks associated with emergencies, whether natural or man-made.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Multistate Mentoring Programs aims to provide crucial mentoring services to at-risk youth, helping them avoid delinquency and victimization. This funding opportunity emphasizes the importance of one-on-one, group, and peer mentoring approaches. The program aligns with the U.S. Department of Justice's commitment to public safety and juvenile justice reform, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and fostering positive youth development.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Victims of Child Abuse Act Training and Technical Assistance program aims to enhance the skills of child abuse professionals. This initiative will promote coordinated investigations and improve intervention strategies for child abuse victims. By providing essential training on effective interviewing, investigative techniques, and interagency collaboration, the program seeks to elevate the quality of care and support available to affected children and families. Applications are due by November 5, 2026.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program aims to provide critical support for moderate- to high-risk youth transitioning back into their communities after confinement. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration among state agencies, local governments, Tribes, and community organizations to deliver comprehensive reentry services and assist youth in overcoming challenges related to recidivism. Applications are due by November 9, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program Support aims to fortify a national network of 61 multiagency task forces dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation facilitated by technology. This funding opportunity enhances training, prevention, and outreach efforts while fostering collaboration among law enforcement entities. Applications are due in JustGrants by November 9, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, ensuring timely support for critical initiatives to protect children.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Community and Schools Youth Drug Prevention Program aims to combat youth substance use through comprehensive prevention strategies. This initiative invites applications from states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to develop programs that educate and support youth in schools and community settings. By fostering collaboration with law enforcement and community coalitions, the program seeks to build capacity and implement effective interventions to protect the well-being of American youth.

Focused on youth and family services, Chick Fil A Foundation invites Puerto Rico nonprofits serving children and young people to apply for the True Inspiration Awards. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs in youth development, education, housing, food security, and environmental stewardship that benefit children and their families.