Children Trust Oceana and Mason County Council invites local groups to apply for child abuse prevention funding

MUSKEGON, Mich. (June 18, 2026) – The Children Trust Oceana and Mason County Council, led by Trinity Health Muskegon, is pleased to announce the release of its FY2027 Request for Proposals, inviting organizations to apply for funding to support child abuse and neglect prevention efforts in local communities.

Funding is available for programs and initiatives that strengthen families and promote the well-being of children through prevention-focused strategies. Priority will be given to projects that align with one or more of the following focus areas:

• Increasing protective factors in families;
• Decreasing risk factors for child abuse and neglect; and/or
• Increasing community awareness related to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

The FY2027 application emphasizes the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework and encourages applicants to demonstrate how proposed activities, outcomes, and evaluation efforts contribute to preventing child abuse and neglect. Both evidence-informed and evidence-based approaches will be considered.

"We know that preventing child abuse and neglect begins with strengthening families and communities," said Holly Alway, D. Soc. Sci, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Trinity Health Muskegon and Coordinator for the Mason and Oceana County Children's Trust Michigan Council. "These local funds provide an opportunity to invest in programs that build resilience, connect families to support resources, and help children thrive."

According to the state of Michigan, nearly 27,000 kids were the victims of maltreatment in 2020. In 2024, thanks in part to advocacy efforts across the state, that number dropped to 22,634. While the steady decline has been encouraging, more work needs to be done to ensure as many children as possible are protected.

In 2025, Children Trust Oceana and Mason County projects reached more than 6,000 local families, working with community partners to ensure resources reach those who need them most. 

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to review the application materials and eligibility requirements available on the Council's website: https://childrentrustoceana.org/

Applications must be submitted by June 29, 2026.

For additional information, please contact Holly Alway at alwayh@trinity-health.org.