Grants for crime reduction programs available

Organi]ations can now apply for Government of Alberta grants that support local crime-prevention initiatives. 7he 9ictims 5estitution and Compensation 3ayment Act allows authorities to sei]e cash and property used in or obtained through criminal activity. 7his process of civil forfeiture makes crime unprofitable and deprives offenders of the money and tools necessary to commit further illegal acts. 7he Civil )orfeiture Grant program then redirects the forfeited cash and the proceeds from the sale of forfeited property towards programs that reduce crime and assist victims of crime.

³7he Civil )orfeiture Grants are an effective way to deter criminal activity while making communities across Alberta safer. 7hese funds help organi]ations maintain their existing programs and extend their reach to improve the lives of even more Albertans.´ .athleen Ganley, Minister of -ustice and Solicitor General )unding this year will go to proposals with innovative, promising or proven practices, with a focus on ‡ services that directly prevent at-risk youth from becoming involved in criminal activity, and or ‡ crime-prevention planning initiatives, such as coordination plans to deter rural crime

A total of . million in Civil )orfeiture Grants is available this year. Eligible organi]ations include nonprofit agencies, schools, municipal governments, Metis Settlements and )irst 1ations communities. Grants between , and , are available, with projects spanning up to two years.

7he list of grant recipients includes Boyle Street Community Services in Edmonton, the Grande 3rairie and Area Big Brothers Big Sisters Association, the Miywasin )riendship Centre in Medicine Hat and Alcove Addiction 5ecovery for Women in Calgary. More than million in Civil )orfeiture Grants have been awarded since . 3otential candidates for Civil )orfeiture Grants are encouraged to download the online application form. 7he deadline for submissions is noon Oct. , .