Markell Hendricks Youth Crime Prevention and Diversion Parole Grant Program (YCPD)

The Markell Hendricks Youth Crime Prevention and Diversion Parole Grant Program is administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in Maryland. Created under Chapter 738, HB1348 in 2019, the grant program is designed to support local law enforcement agencies in implementing diversion and youth engagement programs targeting high-crime areas. The initiative aligns with Maryland’s broader commitment to community-based solutions that divert youth from entering the juvenile justice system, supporting public safety efforts while enhancing the wellbeing of at-risk youth. The grant’s central objective is to reduce unnecessary juvenile justice system involvement by providing funding to local law enforcement agencies for programs that serve youth who have committed threshold offenses or have been involved in school-based incidents. In line with Maryland’s 2024–2026 Comprehensive State Crime Control and Prevention Plan, the grant encourages early intervention through services that can be delivered directly in the communities where the youth reside. Eligible programs must also align with diversion protocols outlined in § 3–8A–10(l)(2) of Maryland law, which govern the timeline for formal referral to juvenile intake services following law enforcement interaction. For State Fiscal Year 2026, a total of $50,000 is available for one grant award, with the intent to offer level funding in FY 2027 and FY 2028, contingent upon funding availability and demonstrated program success through required outcome-based performance reporting. The anticipated period of performance for the FY 2026 cycle is July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Awardees must meet quarterly reporting requirements and demonstrate measurable outcomes such as youth program entry and completion, improved well-being, and reductions in subsequent justice system involvement. Eligible applicants are limited to local law enforcement agencies, with priority given to jurisdictions with the highest number of youth intake complaints—specifically Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County. Each agency may submit only one application. Applicants must have an active registration with SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). There is no matching requirement for this grant. Applications must be submitted via the Grants Management System (GMS), with no hard copy submissions accepted. The online application window closes at 11:59 PM ET on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Applicants must request a User ID by April 11, 2025, if they do not already have access to the GMS. Applications must follow detailed narrative and budget instructions provided by GOCPP. Required narrative components include an organizational overview, problem statement, project design, goals and objectives, data collection plan, grant personnel, sustainability plan, and a detailed budget with justifications. Applicants are also encouraged to review the GMS training videos and attend the NOFA technical assistance webinar scheduled for March 21, 2025. Application evaluation criteria include relevance of the problem statement, quality of project design, clarity of goals and metrics, budget justification, and alignment with funding priorities. The Office emphasizes the importance of using data-driven strategies and evidence-based practices in project design. Contacts for assistance include Grant Monitor Yvette Williams, Funding Manager Jennifer Krabill, and Fiscal Specialist Molly Zhang. Award notifications are expected in June 2025, with sub-award documents issued before the July 1 start date.

Use outline format and do not exceed word limits—excess will not be reviewed; incomplete applications may be disqualified.