Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (VIPP)

The State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (VIPP) is administered by the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP). This program is designed to combat gun violence through evidence-based and evidence-informed public health strategies across communities in Maryland. Established under Maryland’s Public Safety Article §4–902 and reinforced by House Bill 432 in 2018, VIPP represents a coordinated state-level approach to reducing gun-related harm by fostering partnerships between local governments, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and public health systems. The overarching goal is to fund impactful programs that prevent violence before it occurs, disrupt cycles of retaliation, and provide support to individuals recovering from violence-related trauma. For SFY 2027, GOCPP anticipates allocating $2.6 million in total program funding, supporting up to 20 competitive grants. Each award may not exceed $300,000, and continuation applicants from the previous year (SFY26) receive priority consideration. However, these applicants must request no more than 90% of their prior award amount. The funding period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. GOCPP emphasizes that awarded funds are contingent on budgetary approval by Maryland’s General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session. Grantees must provide a 33% cash or in-kind cost share, unless a waiver is granted. VIPP emphasizes projects that implement structured, measurable violence intervention models. Programs may include hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs), community-based outreach, and risk-focused interventions targeting individuals at the highest risk of firearm violence. The application requires a clearly articulated project design, specifying the evidence-based or evidence-informed model utilized, and any adaptations made for community context. The effectiveness of these programs must be tracked through logic models and data collection efforts, with performance evaluated by an independent, third-party researcher assigned by the VIPP Council. Eligible applicants include a wide range of Maryland-based entities such as state and local government agencies, health departments, law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based groups. All entities must be registered in the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Faith-based organizations may apply without modifying their religious identity, but activities funded through the grant must be nonsectarian. Applications must be submitted online via the Grants Management System (GMS) no later than April 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Hard copy submissions will not be accepted. Applicants must ensure that their full narrative adheres to word limits per section and includes required attachments such as a W-9, IRS nonprofit status letter, organizational chart, and the newly mandated Organizational Capacity Questionnaire (OCQ). A recorded technical assistance webinar is available, and a live virtual assistance session is scheduled for March 12, 2026. Grantees must report quarterly on program outputs and outcomes, including metrics such as the number of individuals served, referrals made, and reductions in recidivism. GOCPP stresses transparency and accountability throughout the grant cycle, warning that misuse of funds may lead to penalties or disqualification from future opportunities. The program is competitive, and applicants will be evaluated on organizational capacity, project design, data plans, budget, and adherence to required criteria.

Ensure narrative sections stay within word limits; justify any model adaptations clearly; confirm match funds and SAM.gov registration.