Minnesota groups seek money to keep youths from extremism

MINNEAPOLIS – A community advocate who spends his days helping Somali families and a youth soccer coach who works to keep kids off the street are among those who have applied for funding through a Department of Justice program designed to combat terrorism recruiting.

Friday marked the deadline for applicants to request roughly $400,000 in federal and private funding administered by a nonprofit group.

The program is part of a three-city pilot project, which includes Boston and Los Angeles.

Minnesota's program focuses on the state's large Somali community, which has been a target for terrorism recruiters. It was unclear how many people or groups have applied for funding. Grant awards will be announced March 9.

Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger says he's working to secure additional funding from private and federal sources.