Keystone Today

The city of Pittsburgh has announced that applications have opened for the STOP the Violence 2022 grants which are focused on helping organizations that are working to end violence, with funding between $15,000 and $90,000.

According to a release by Mayor Ed Gainey, the grants come through the STOP the Violence Community Investment Fund and are designed to offer financial support to organizations with programs complementing the Group Violence Intervention (GIV) strategy designed to curb violence in Pittsburgh. The grants will be awarded in September.

“It’s time to address violence as a public health crisis that is treatable and preventable,” said Gainey. “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.”

These grants are for organizations working with people who show one or more risk factors regarding violent behavior, and those that support people overcoming risk factors and avoiding violence. Organizations who apply should be from city neighborhoods that experience high levels of violence that are working proactively and need additional resources. 

Eligible projects are for academic, arts or sports opportunities for those with high risk; family strengthening activities and parent/guardian support; mentoring; developing support systems for traumatized people, re-entering citizens and/or their families; and culturally sensitive mental health counseling for those with high risk.

The grants are a partnership between the POISE foundation and the city. Those applying need to be a recognized 501(c)3 or a letter intent or documented support from a 501(c)3 sponsor. The organizations also must have an understanding of violence in the local community; have experience implementing programs; establish relationships with those impacted by violence; have a history of providing services; have a history of being a good community partner; and operate within the city or serve the city. They must also be prepared to create a project within 60 days of creating funds.

For more information go to https://www.poisefoundation.org/stop-the-violence-community-investment-grants.