Darkness to Light is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of our Advocacy Collaborative Scholarship Program—awarding more than $38,000 in prevention scholarships to 22 organizations across 16 states.
Now in its second year, the Advocacy Collaborative Scholarship Program supports community-based organizations working on the front lines of prevention—expanding access to prevention education, trauma-informed care, and protective practices for children and families.
This year’s investment reflects meaningful growth in our commitment to prevention. In 2024, the inaugural scholarship season awarded $6,000. In 2025, that total has increased more than sixfold—demonstrating both the growing demand for prevention resources and the power of collective action.
“Prevention happens locally, and these scholarships help organizations strengthen training, education, and protective environments in the communities they serve,” said Rhonda Newton, Chief Executive Officer of Darkness to Light. “This growth reflects both the demand for prevention resources and our commitment to expanding access to them.”
2025 Advocacy Collaborative Scholarship Recipients
This year’s recipients represent a wide range of community-based organizations, including Children’s Advocacy Centers, youth-serving organizations, medical centers, and nonprofits focused on prevention education, early intervention, and survivor-centered support.
Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide (ICPYAS)
Cradle Beach, Inc.
Family Service
ChildSafe
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas
Corine Palanzi (Independent)
Worcester County Children’s Advocacy Center
Bridgehaven Children’s Advocacy Center
SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center
Carousel Children’s Advocacy Center
Mission Kids Children’s Advocacy Center
Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center
April’s Voice
Friends of the Children
The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Camp in the Community, Inc.
PAVE
Empower YOLO
EveryChild
Petersburg Medical Center
Rape Advocacy, Counseling, & Education Services (R.A.C.E.S.)
Scholarship funds will support prevention training, community outreach, and trauma-informed services designed to reduce risk factors and strengthen child-protective systems within local communities.
“We believe prevention is most effective when organizations are equipped, connected, and supported,” shared the founding members of the Advocacy Collaborative in a joint statement. “This scholarship represents a shared commitment to investing in communities and advancing a future where child sexual abuse is preventable—and prevented.”
About the Advocacy Collaborative
The Advocacy Collaborative brings together partners committed to strengthening community-based prevention efforts. A portion of all eligible donations to Darkness to Light directly supports this initiative—helping expand access to training and prevention resources for organizations nationwide.
