As communities across the country continue grappling with the effects of violence, several federal agencies are rolling out funding opportunities aimed at fostering safer environments. These grants support various initiatives, from violence prevention and skills training to providing essential services for crime survivors and the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals.
Understanding and leveraging available funding opportunities can significantly amplify your municipality’s efforts in crime prevention, community revitalization, and public safety.
The Department of Justice is setting a strong foundation with over 200 grant programs this year, leveraging a budget from nearly $5.8 billion allocated in FY 2023.
Below is a breakdown of key initiatives and how organizations can apply for funding:
- Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI): This flagship program, launched in FY 2022, has dedicated nearly $200 million to developing holistic, evidence-based strategies for breaking cycles of violence. Applications are currently open.
- Support for Crime Survivors: Special grants aim to enhance the capacity of organizations serving underserved communities, focusing on basic needs like transportation, housing, and clothing to foster healing and safety.
- Research and Education on Violence Against Women: Grants available for research on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Open applications until April 11, 2024.
- Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG)and Project Safe Neighborhoods: Both programs support broad strategies from community engagement to strategic enforcement with a focus on reducing violent crime. Applications for these grant programs are expected to open between April and June.
- Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence Program: This program funds community efforts to help children and families affected by violence build resilience, restore safety, heal emotionally, and prevent future violence and delinquency.
- Second Chance Act Community-Based Re-Entry Program: The program will allocate nearly $10 million to support partnerships between correctional agencies, tribal nations, and nonprofit organizations that provide transitional services to adults returning from incarceration and seeking to re-enter society. Applications for this grant program opened on March 7, 2024, and will close on May 6, 2024.
- Community Policing Development Micro-Grants: DOJ plans to issue $5 million to local law enforcement agencies seeking to implement innovative community policing strategies that build trust between communities and police departments, including community violence interventions. Applications for this grant program are expected to open in March and close sometime between July and September.
- COPS Hiring Program: DOJ will allocate $265 million to fund law enforcement agencies that partner with community organizations to implement community violence intervention strategies – especially focused on gun violence will receive priority consideration. Applications for this grant program are expected to open between April and May and close between June and July.
- School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP): The DOJ will allocate $53 million to fund equipment, technology, and training to address school violence. Applications for this grant program are expected to open between April and May and close between June and July.
The Department of Labor is investing in training and reentry programs, including:
- Growth Opportunities: With $85 million available, this grant offers youth and young adults in violence-stricken areas access to job training, education, and mentorship. The next application window is between July 1 and October 15, 2024.
- Pathway Home: Offering $52 million to fund job training for incarcerated individuals prior to release, ensuring they receive the necessary support and legal assistance to reintegrate successfully.
The Department of Education initiatives focus heavily on integrating mental health services and educational support within schools:
- Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant: Open until May 15, 2024, this program is part of a historical investment under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to bolster school-based mental health services.
- Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program: The purpose of the program is to provide gang-involved youth with postsecondary education opportunities that will lead to certification or credentials. The next application is expected to be open between May and July.
For those interested in these funding opportunities, application processes vary by department and initiative. Prospective applicants should visit the respective department websites to find detailed information on eligibility, application guidelines, and deadlines.
With a comprehensive array of grants available, the federal government is seeking to empower local governments, organizations, and educational institutions to tackle the pervasive issues of community violence and its wide-reaching effects. By providing the necessary resources and support, these programs aim not only to curb the immediate impacts of violence but also to foster long-term resilience and safety in communities nationwide. This concerted effort marks a significant step forward in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our times.
Additional Relevant Resources & Documents
- Municipalities Reimagining Community Safety (MRCS)
- Lessons Learned through Collaborative Community Safety Initiatives Report
- A Path Toward Safe and Equitable Cities (NLC)
- Reimagining Public Safety (A Toolkit for Cities and Towns)- NLC
- Mayoral Network on Community Safety and Violence Prevention: Summary Report
- The Challenge and Promise of Reentry in Municipalities
- Young Adult Justice 2022- A Nationwide Inventory of Policy and Practice
- The CVI Ecosystem
- Cities United
- CVI: An Overview
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