CHICAGO FUND FOR SAFE AND PEACEFUL COMMUNITIES IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities is once again offering community-based grants for organizations that are working to create safe spaces and reduce gun violence on the south and west sides of Chicago. Photo Credit: Provided by the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities
The Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities is once again offering community-based grants for organizations that are working to create safe spaces and reduce gun violence on the south and west sides of Chicago. Photo Credit: Provided by the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities

Chicago Fund For Safe And Peaceful Communities Is Now Accepting Applications

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

For a fourth year, The Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for qualified community-based organizations who operate violence-prevention activities and violence intervention programs in 21 specific communities on the south and west sides of Chicago. Applications are being accepted now through April 10 and grants will be awarded on May 22.

The summer grant program is just one part of the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities’ strategy for decreasing violence in Chicago. The Fund is specifically made for grassroots organizations that have an operating budget of less than $500,000 and are working in one or more of the 21 prioritized south and west side communities.

The communities that are being prioritized for this years community grant-making are Austin, Auburn Gresham, Chatham, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, West Englewood, Gage Park, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, Humboldt Park, Lower West Side, Back of the Yards, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Chicago, Little Village, South Shore, Washington Park, West Pullman, and Woodlawn.

“Individuals cannot apply but organizations can and these organizations don’t have to have a 501c3 designation. They can apply through a fiscal sponsor and if they don’t know a fiscal sponsor we will connect them with a sponsor at no cost,” said Deborah Bennett, senior program officer for the Polk Bros. Foundation and member of the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities.

The Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities is a coalition of over 40 foundations and funders that have collaborated their efforts and their financial means to collectively support community efforts at reducing gun violence in our city. To date, members of the partnership have committed more than $50 million to street outreach, transitional jobs, police reform and community relations, gun policy reform, and community-led summer activities, according to information provided by the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities.

“We know that community violence is a complex socioeconomic issue and we funders believe that addressing it requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond policing. Policing is certainly a factor in reducing violence but we also believe that providing direct services to people who are most likely to be engaged in gun violence is a factor in that reduction as well,” said Bennett.

Some examples of community programs that have received grant funding in the past are block parties, back to school rallies, sports tournaments, peace marches, drum circles, mentoring, movie nights, music festivals, urban gardens, and stress management programs.

“The purpose of this fund is to provide an opportunity for the people most impacted by violence to offer solutions and to do their part to make their community more safe and peaceful,” said Bennett. “Over the past three years, we have had an overwhelming response to this funding opportunity. Last year, we made 132 grants but more than 300 organizations applied.”

To learn more and access the grant application visit www.safeandpeacefulchi.com.

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