Organizations can apply for STOP the Violence grants

The application process for the city’s STOP the Violence grants officially opened Tuesday and organizations that specifically work toward violence prevention can apply until July 5.

The grants, which will be provided through the city’s STOP the Violence Trust Fund, are part of Mayor Ed Gainey’s “Plan for Peace” initiative, announced in the beginning of June.

The funds will be granted to organizations that are “taking proactive steps with individuals who exhibit one or more risk factors for violent behavior, supporting those individuals to overcome the risk factors, avoid violence, and lead healthy and productive lives,” the city said.

The goal is to include community organizations in the efforts to reduce violence in the city, according to the mayor’s administration.

Applications can range from $15,000 to more than $90,000.

“It’s time to address violence as a public health crisis that is treatable and preventable,” Mr. Gainey said in a statement. “We know that no single organization can effectively eliminate violence on its own, which is why my administration is focused on community partnerships. The STOP the Violence Community Investment Fund will allow us to support community organizations who are committed to a bold vision of ending violence and making Pittsburgh safe for everyone.”

Some of the eligible programs include things like mentoring for youth or adults, family-strengthening activities, parent and guardian support, mental health counseling and programs that help support traumatized individuals, the city said.

The city has partnered with the POISE Foundation to administer the grants and part of the application process includes completing an eligibility survey.

Some of the qualifications for organizations to apply include things like having experience implementing community programs for high-risk individuals and having a history of successful community collaborations.

The groups must also be ready to implement the grant-funded project within 60 days of receiving the money. Awardees should receive funds by early September, the city said.

If grantees successfully implement their proposed project, they may also apply for additional funding next year.

Interested organizations can apply online through the POISE Foundation website.