Fifty-three California cities are eligible for up to $6 million each in violence reduction funds through the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (CalVIP). The program was established by Assembly Bill 1603, the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, signed by the Governor on October 11, 2019. The application process is being managed by the Bureau of State and Community Corrections (BSCC).
Equal Justice USA (EJUSA) — a national nonprofit dedicated to reforming criminal justice — issued a press release encouraging cities to apply for the grants. It reads in part:
In 2021, California lawmakers approved a total of total of $209 million for competitive three-year grants to cities disproportionately impacted by violence to improve safety and promote healing. Fifty-three cities are eligible to apply, far more than ever before.
“Community-based solutions to violence are working all over California, but they are underfunded,” said Mona Cadena, Director of Advocacy and Campaigns for Equal Justice USA, which is part of a coalition of 34 organizations working to end violence in the state. “This is an enormous opportunity for cities and communities throughout California to magnify the lifesaving work that is already happening and to create safer neighborhoods.”
The eligible cities can apply for up to $6 million to help fund groundbreaking violence reduction programs that are proven to save lives and make communities safer. Proposals are due February 11, with the grant period beginning July 1.
“Because the timeline to apply is so brief, it is critical that community-based organizations and cities engaging in violence prevention and intervention that are eligible for this funding are aware of the opportunity as soon as possible,” Cadena said.
People with questions about the requests for proposals or the process are encouraged to email [email protected].