SHARE Foundation 2022 grant cycle open for submissions

From 1997 through January 2021, the SHARE Foundation has provided funding in the form of grants as an outreach into Union County. Over $8.25 million has been paid to 92 different qualifying not-for-profit organizations for grants and strategic initiatives.

SHARE Foundation funding is currently focused on six priority areas addressed in the Union County Violence Intervention Plan (VIP).

The Union County VIP is the result of broad community input and efforts over the past five years. Its evidence-based strategies broadly and proactively address crime and violence prevention and intervention beginning with local youth and families.

VIP partners and leaders in this comprehensive effort are from area nonprofits, schools, businesses, law enforcement, health care professionals, churches, youth, justice-involved individuals and others.

VIP partners work to assess community needs and identify local resources that can meet those needs; choose effective and evidence-based programs to implement in the VIP; advocate for change with top local decision makers; keep the community engaged in improvement efforts and informed about ongoing VIP projects; and measure their impact. Get involved

When a community is truly committed to changing the odds for young people and families in need, sometimes it must change the way we do business. No single organization or person can do it independently. The community must work together to generate a greater impact than anyone could ever achieve alone.

Those involved in any effort that broadly and proactively addresses crime and violence prevention and/ or intervention have the opportunity to receive help through SHARE Foundation funding. The 2022 grant cycle submission period is currently open.

Funding priority areas for the SHARE Foundation currently are prison reentry; mentoring and role modeling; neighborhood watching and neighborhood clean-up efforts; parenting and life skills; jobs and targeted education; and mental health and/or substance abuse treatment.

Annual grants fund work from January through December of a given year and applications must be submitted before October 15, 2021 at 11:45 p.m.

Qualifying organizations with measurable evidence-based programs that broadly address crime and violence intervention and prevention are eligible to apply. Visit sharefoundation.com/our-agencies/grantsvip/vip.html to review the written VIP, the 2022 RFP (request for proposals), grant application and suggested evidence based strategies and outcomes.

To learn more about SHARE Foundation Grants, the Union County Violence Intervention Plan, or how to become involved, call Debbie Watts, SHARE Foundation vice president of Community Impact at 870-881-9015.