Advocacy Collaborative & Awards

Investing in Advocates.

At Darkness to Light, we believe in investing in the people who lead the way—the advocates who are uplifting communities, amplifying voices, and building a culture of prevention. The Advocacy Collaborative Scholarship Program is our way of giving back to those who make prevention possible.

Each year, through this program, we provide funding to organizations dedicated to expanding access to child protection training and resources in communities across the nation, ensuring that prevention is not just an idea but a reality for every child.

2025 Advocacy Collaborative Scholarships Now Open!

Through this scholarship opportunity, individuals and organizations dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse can apply for funding to expand their impact and bring prevention to life in their communities.

Applicants may request scholarship support for:

  • Becoming an Authorized Facilitator to deliver Darkness to Light’s prevention trainings, or

  • Training resources, including Stewards of Children® Workbooks.

All applications will be reviewed by the Advocacy Collaborative, Darkness to Light’s external advisory group focused on empowering advocates and advancing prevention nationwide. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on their demonstrated commitment to child safety and community engagement.

Meet Our Founding Members

Denise Uhl Jenkins

"Throughout my 14-year career in a children’s advocacy center, I trained more than 12,000 adults. Retirement did not lessen my passion for the prevention of child sexual abuse."

Martha Tumblin

“Social and behavioral change toward improved safety for children evolves “one training at a time” in communities.”

Scott Eastman

“The fight to eradicate child sexual abuse is one that needs as many accessible resources available as possible.”

Here are ways you can support the Advocacy Collaborative: 

  • Share this information and application details with anyone who would be a good fit for this award!
  • Consider joining the Advocacy Collaborative as a member of the advisory group or as a donor. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Rhonda Newton at RNewton@D2L.org. While a portion of all eligible donations that Darkness to Light receives supports the Advocacy Collaborative fund, you can designate your entire contribution to this cause by selecting “Scholarship Fund” during your online donation. 

Last fall, Darkness to Light awarded approximately $6,000 in scholarships to outstanding organizations across the nation, including: Amerigroup GF360, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA, Duluth Area Family YMCA, Gratiot County Child Advocacy Association, Hope House of South Central Wisconsin, and IM SAFE CAC. These recipients exemplify the power of prevention in action—expanding awareness, training adults, and protecting countless children in their communities.

This year, we look forward to supporting even more leaders as they continue to shape safer futures for children everywhere.