Applications Now Open for Community Violence Intervention Grants

Published on September 21, 2023

Applications are now open for Community Violence Intervention Grants, which will fund programs to address the epidemic of gun violence in Kalamazoo. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations can apply through Friday, November 3.

Learn More and Apply

These grants are a vital component of the City's commitment to reducing violence, safeguarding residents, and creating a more peaceful community. Proposals must align with Kalamazoo Blueprint for Peace, which was developed over a two-year period through extensive community conversations and engagement. More than 146 contributors, across multiple sectors, helped to identify goals, strategies, and actions to reduce and prevent community violence.

Proposals must also primarily serve residents in the city’s Edison, Northside, and Eastside neighborhoods, and include activities that are eligible for American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.

The grants will be administered in partnership with the United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI). Eligible organizations can apply online at www.unitedforscmi.org/rfp-community-violence-intervention-grants.

To ensure a smooth application process, UWSCMI staff will provide technical assistance to potential grantees and will continue to offer support to funded partners throughout the grant term. Organizations are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment with Andrea Macklin, Associate Director, Community Impact for UWSCMI, for guidance before submitting their proposals.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their proposals in early December, with the grant period starting in January 2024. For comprehensive details on eligibility requirements, timelines, and eligible activities, please refer to the Request for Proposals.

This is the second round of funding to be awarded from an allocation of $1 million approved by the City Commission last year. In 2022, $443,000 was awarded for programs that provide wraparound services for victims of gun violence and focus on deterrence, street outreach, and violence interruption. These programs are still actively addressing critical community needs.

The City Commission approved the remaining funds from the $1 million allocation at its meeting on September 5.

Kalamazoo County also allocated $1 million towards violence reduction in 2022 and awarded part of those funds towards an Urban Alliance program that supports returning citizens. Kalamazoo County is currently exploring the potential to join the City in the second grant process and anticipates making decisions later this fall.