The Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) opened applications for the next round of its Community-Based Violence Prevention grants program. The office has awarded $300,000 annually to grassroots violence prevention organizations throughout Indianapolis since 2018.
This year, an additional $140,000 will go specifically toward organizations providing services addressing mental health challenges as a result of the pandemic, which local leaders cite as a cause for the city’s increase in violence.
“Community organizations are a core component of our violence-reduction efforts,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a press release. “There is not one cause of gun violence in our city, and there is not one solution to violence reduction. Empowering grassroots organizations to implement best practices ensures we tackle this issue at every level, while also extending the reach of critical programs.”
Grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 will be awarded to non-profit, grassroots organizations, especially those in areas experiencing increases in violent crime. Applications will be accepted through July 31. Click here for an application.
