ALBANY COUNTY — The county will provide $100,000 in grants to school, after-school, and community-based programs curbing bullying and preventing youth violence.

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 4 with individual grants capped at $20,000.

“The consequences of bullying and violence in schools are severe,” says a page on the county legislature’s website, promoting the grants. “Victims often experience depression, anxiety, decreased academic performance, and long-term emotional trauma.

“Long-term exposure to such hostile environments can also result in emotional trauma that lasts well into adulthood. Perpetrators, meanwhile, are at increased risk of future unconventional behavior, perpetuating cycles of unconventional behavior/violence within communities.”

“For the past few weeks, we have seen the destruction and violence that fear, distrust, and shame can bring out of people,” said Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham in a release promoting the grants. “With these grants, we choose to support and empower schools and on-the-ground support organizations that are already in our communities offering informed, customized, personalized, and trusted programs that meet at-risk kids and families where they are.”

“According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about one-in-five students are bullied. It jumps to more than one-in-four for African-American students,” said the legislature’s deputy chairwoman, Wanda Willingham, in the release.

“Less than half of them tell anyone or get help,” she went on. “Mastering long division and document-based question essays are challenging enough for developing brains without the shame and fear that bullying brings. We want this funding to help our students believe in themselves and each other. That is a fundamental part of growing up.”

“This is more than a funding opportunity; it’s a call to action,” said the county executive, Daniel McCoy, in the release. “If your organization is already working in this space or has a bold new idea for a program, I strongly encourage you to apply.”

Grants must be submitted to the Albany County Legislature by email at Grants.Legislature@albanycountyny.gov. More information is available at bit.ly/2025AntiBullying.