Federal Funding Cuts Impact Nonprofits Across Violence Prevention Programs

The U.S. Department of Justice has cut hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants to nonprofits across the country, including organizations in Massachusetts and Kansas, citing a shift in agency priorities under the Trump administration. Programs affected include those working with at-risk youth, reducing community violence, preventing recidivism, and supporting victims of abuse and neglect. Organizations like CASA in Kansas and Roca and UTEC in Massachusetts warn that these funding cuts will directly impact their ability to serve vulnerable populations, including abused children and young adults involved in criminal activity. Many nonprofit leaders argue their missions align with public safety and DOJ goals, expressing frustration and concern over the abrupt loss of resources. Although the DOJ maintains that the cuts target programs misaligned with current priorities, service providers report immediate harm to critical initiatives such as violence prevention, trauma support, and victim assistance. Some agencies are appealing the decisions or seeking alternative funding to maintain their operations.