The present disclosure provides targeted, polymeric nanoparticles which facilitate the delivery of small interfering RNAs, miRNAs and shRNA expressing plasmid DNAs and include an aggregate of nucleic acids and polycationic polymer scaffolds. Methods of making and using such nanoparticles are provided as are methods of treating cancer, including Glioblastoma Multiforme, prostate cancer and melanoma using such nanoparticles.