Funding Expands Access to Child Safety Training in 16 States

Darkness to Light awards $38,000 in scholarships to community organizations for prevention education and trauma-informed services.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Darkness to Light, a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse, announced the recipients of its 2025 Advocacy Collaborative Scholarship Program, awarding more than $38,000 in scholarships to 22 organizations representing 16 states. The scholarships will support community-based organizations working to expand access to prevention education, trauma-informed care, and protective practices for children and families.

Why it matters

This investment reflects the growing demand for prevention resources and Darkness to Light's commitment to expanding access to child protection training and education at the local level. By empowering community organizations, the scholarships aim to strengthen training, education, and protective environments to reduce risk factors and prevent child sexual abuse.

The details

The 2025 scholarship recipients include Children's Advocacy Centers, youth-serving organizations, medical centers, and community-based nonprofits focused on prevention education, early intervention, and survivor-centered support. Scholarships will be used to support prevention training, community outreach, and trauma-informed services.

  • Darkness to Light announced the 2025 scholarship recipients on February 14, 2026.
  • The inaugural 2024 scholarship season awarded $6,000, making this year's total a more than sixfold increase in investment.

The players

Darkness to Light

A national nonprofit dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse through evidence-informed training and education. The organization partners with schools, youth-serving organizations, and communities to equip adults with the tools to protect children.

Rhonda Newton

The chief executive officer of Darkness to Light.

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What they’re saying

“Prevention happens locally, and these scholarships help organizations strengthen training, education, and protective environments in the communities they serve. This growth reflects both the demand for prevention resources and our commitment to expanding access to them.”

— Rhonda Newton, Chief Executive Officer, Darkness to Light (PRNewswire)

“We believe prevention is most effective when organizations are equipped, connected, and supported. This scholarship represents a shared commitment to investing in communities and advancing a future where child sexual abuse is preventable—and prevented.”

— Founding members of the Advocacy Collaborative (PRNewswire)

What’s next

Darkness to Light plans to continue expanding the Advocacy Collaborative Scholarship Program in the coming years to further support community-based organizations working to prevent child sexual abuse.

The takeaway

This investment in local prevention education and trauma-informed services demonstrates the growing recognition that addressing child sexual abuse requires a multi-faceted, community-driven approach. By empowering organizations on the ground, Darkness to Light is working to create safer environments and a future where child sexual abuse is preventable.