Focus for 2024 is filling gaps identified in Cleveland's violence prevention ecosystem
April 24, 2024 — Cleveland — The Cleveland Foundation today announced that it will begin accepting applications for the second round of grants from the Cleveland Neighborhood Safety Fund. This round of annual funding includes up to $1 million in total grantmaking in 2024.
“The strategy in this second round of funding is to get dollars out the door before summer, when we tend to see increases in violence and crime,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “The committee has also adopted a more targeted approach for this round that looks at gaps identified in the first round — both in programming and geography — and seeks to address them.”
The second round Request for Proposals (RFP) is specifically seeking programs that focus on violence interruption and reduction, youth diversion and proactive mentoring, and violence prevention. Based on recent violent crime trends, as evidenced by health indicators and local police data over the past three or more years, proposals with services located in the Buckeye-Woodland, Central, Fairfax, Kinsman/Union Miles, Mt. Pleasant, North Broadway/Slavic Village, and St. Clair Superior neighborhoods will be prioritized.
“These grants offer a chance to help people break free from harmful cycles and connect with important resources like healthcare, job training and other support services," explained Councilman Richard Starr, who represents Ward 5 and sits on the advisory committee for the Neighborhood Safety Fund. "When it comes to preventing violence and keeping our communities safe, it all starts with putting people first. These grants will help local organizations work together to make a difference in our neighborhoods.”
The overarching goal of the Neighborhood Safety Fund is to support programs and organizations that target the root causes of violence, particularly among young people, under the guidance of a nine-member advisory committee. The fund was established by the Bibb Administration and Cleveland City Council to help grow and sustain an ecosystem of community-driven, evidence-informed programming serving Cleveland residents.
The $10 million fund is housed at the Cleveland Foundation and was seeded in July 2023 with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money from the City (Ord. 486-2023).
The fund’s grantmaking aligns with the City’s multi-year comprehensive approach to violence prevention and will be made to eligible 501(c)3 organizations.
Applications for the second round of funding will be open from April 24 through May 10.
For more information, to apply for a grant, or to donate to the fund, please visit the Neighborhood Safety Fund website.
About the Cleveland Foundation
Established in 1914, the Cleveland Foundation is the world’s first community foundation – and one of the largest today. Through the generosity of donors, the foundation improves the lives of residents of Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties by building community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking and providing leadership on vital issues. For more information, visit ClevelandFoundation.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the City of Cleveland
The City of Cleveland is committed to putting people and neighborhoods first, working to deliver high-quality city services and leading bold change. The City is focused on building a stronger and safer Cleveland and modernizing City Hall to improve outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors. To learn more about the City of Cleveland, visit www.clevelandohio.gov, Twitter at @CityofCleveland or Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcleveland.
