LEXINGTON, Ky. — Mayor Linda Gorton announced that One Lexington awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to 20 community organizations working to prevent gun violence and support those affected by it, according to a city statement.

The funding includes $150,000 in violence prevention grants for 15 grassroots organizations and additional N.O.C.A.P. grants—which stand for Nurturing or Creating Alternative Pathways—for five community groups serving youth with incarcerated parents or those directly affected by gun violence. Among the recipients are Operation Making a Change, Community Inspired Lexington, and the Lexington Rescue Mission.

"Keeping Lexington's young people safe is our top priority," Gorton said in a statement. "These grants support organizations that are making a difference every day by mentoring our youth, providing hope and opportunity, and helping them reach their full potential."

The grant announcement comes as Lexington marked significant progress in reducing gun violence. The city recorded its fewest total homicides in a decade last year, with homicides declining 13 percent from the previous year. Over the past five years, Lexington has experienced substantial declines in both gun violence and overall community violence, with the city reducing community violence by 60 percent since 2021.

One Lexington Director Devine Carama said the grants are designed to build capacity among nonprofits working directly with those affected by violence. "In order to address this community health crisis, it will take the community," Carama said. "We all have a part to play in this fight to keep our children and our neighborhoods safe."

More than 600 young people participated in programs supported by One Lexington grants in 2025. Organizations submitted applications through Community Action Council, which reviewed proposals and recommended funding recipients. Thirty-six organizations applied for funding this year.

The 15 organizations receiving violence prevention grants include Alpha League, Community Inspired Lexington, Complexion Community Development, HEARTS For Basketball Christian Academy, Jubilee Jobs of Lexington, Kentucky Compadres Comadres Network, KEYZ Foundation Inc., Lexington Ravens Youth Organization, Lexington Rescue Mission, Operation Making a Change, Peacefully Whole Inc., Project Ricochet, The Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families Inc., The Voyage Movement, and the West End Community Empowerment Project.

This marks the fifth consecutive year of One Lexington's violence prevention grant program, which has expanded from initial funding levels. The N.O.C.A.P. program was launched in 2023 to support youth ages 12-17.