The funding includes $150,000 in violence prevention grants for 15 grassroots organizations and additional N.O.C.A.P. grants for five community groups serving youth with incarcerated parents or those directly affected by gun violence.
Mayor Linda Gorton said the safety of Lexington’s youth is a top priority and these grants are making a difference on a daily basis.
"These organizations are dedicated to uplifting our young people through a variety of approaches, including one on one mentoring, education, wellness, coaching and counseling," Gorton said.
More than 600 young people participated in programs supported by One Lexington grants in 2025. One Lexington Director Devine Carama says this funding has made a direct impact on lowering gun violence among young people.
"We've watched this grant program grow from $50,000 to $100,000 and now $150,000," Carama said. " And so we have given away over a half a million dollars in grants over the last four years."
Community Inspired Lexington is one of the grand recipients. This is Executive Director & Co-Founder Rebecca Webb. Webb says when the group began, they only had 17 participants and now....
"With the support and the help of the city and organizations like One Lexington and our community partners, I'm proud to say that today we have a registration of 71 kids and an average daily attendance of anywhere from 40 to 60 children," said Webb.
Homicides in Lexington are down 13% from last year and officials say the city recorded its fewest number in over a decade.