State Grants Available to Fight Gangs
7-25-2014 The Board of State and Community Corrections has released the Request for Funding Proposal for city gang-fighting grants available through the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention Program. The $9.2 million annual grant program is designed to reduce gang and youth violence. Applications must be made by cities, which administer the grants, with funding then allocated to community-based organizations and public agencies that target youth, and law enforcement agencies and probation departments that engage in suppression strategies. The RFP is provided in two formats, a PDF version (to print and review) and a word version (interactive copy for cities who apply). Since 2007 funding for CalGRIP has come from the State Budget Act, which appropriates $9.2 million annually from the State Restitution Fund. The City of Los Angeles receives $1 million of that amount, leaving the rest to be competitively allocated by the BSCC. Currently there are 34 grants at work combating gangs across California. Under the funding requirements, cities are required to provide anti-gang programs and strategies that are evidence based. They also must establish an advisory council to help prioritize the use of funds. Cities that combine resources to establish a regional approach toward combating gangs will be given preference. The maximum grant will be $500,000, and at least two will be awarded to cities with populations less than 200,000. At least 20 percent of funds a city receives must go to community-based organizations. Cities must match 100 percent of the grant money received. Grant applications are due September 5, 2014, and funding recommendations will be made to the Board at its November meeting. For more information contact BSCC Staff Magi Work at 916-327-3967 or magi.work@bscc.ca.gov; or Colleen Curtin at 916-445-8066 or colleen.curtin@bscc.ca.gov/