Request for Proposals: JAMS Foundation-ACR Initiative for Students and Youth

This JAMS Foundation-ACR Initiative seeks to provide financial support for conflict resolution education and training (CRE) for Pre-K through 12th grade students and youth. The populations to be served by the funding streams will be both (1) youth in Pre-K through 12th grade age range and (2) adults working with these youth populations in ways that directly transfer CRE skills for adults to the youth populations.

The contexts for projects may include community, schools, alternative education (online education, charter schools, after school programs), government (juvenile justice facilities, courts) and NGO settings. While some proposals may be able to secure and guarantee access to or cooperation from traditional K-12 school districts/schools, this funding opportunity is intended to provide potential financial support for CRE work in other contexts as well.

The 2024 Funding Focus

• The funding focus for the 2024 funding cycle is to support efforts to increase the resiliency skills in youth by using conflict resolution education and training intended to increase their ability to 1) cope with violence they may encounter in a school or other gathering places, and 2) de-escalate the violence.
• There are three priorities:
  • The proposed project will use evidence-based strategies designed for youth ages 14 – 18 years old, or a subset of that age group, to provide conflict resolution education and training, providing youth with the skills and motivation to reduce violence among high school aged youth at school as well as other gathering spaces (physical and on-line) for their peer group.
  • The proposed project will build upon the current work of applicant organization and will highlight local community connections that demonstrate previous or current integrated work with the focused population or their location. The project will specifically integrate conflict resolution skills of youth within their communities, and develop and implement a public education campaign extolling the benefits of conflict resolution skills in advancing positive interactions.
  • Evaluation measures for the proposed project will include, at a minimum: 1) an increase in applied conflict resolution skills by youth, specifically for appropriate interactions with others in a manner that does not lead to physical or verbal violence, and 2) a decrease in reported violence in schools or other spaces where youth gather.
• Note: This project will focus on youth between the ages of 14 and 18 years old.

Selection Parameters and Criteria for the 2024 Funding Cycle

• Requests for Year 1 funding may be up to $20,000, of the potential two-year funding cycle.
• While the proposed projects are two-year projects, decisions on funding for a second year will be contingent on evidence of benchmark accomplishments at the end of the first year of funding with a focus on the integration of the new service or expansion of the current services. For those who may seek a second year of funding, those requests may be for up to $40,000.
• ACR seeks to recommend a small number of high-quality projects with likely or proven impact and the potential of regional and national impact upon completion to the JAMS Foundation for their review and selection.
• Preference for funding is given for those that may bring existing programs or exciting new ideas to a level of scalability and sustainability on a regional or national basis.
• Eligible organizations include nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, educational institutions, and public agencies working in conjunction with nonprofit educational institutions or
• Please Note: If the proposal does not include conflict resolution education, training or services in a substantial way, the proposal will not be reviewed.

For more information, visit JAMS Foundation.