Imagine Nonviolence in New York

The Health Foundation for Western and Central New York has released the second round of funding for its Imagine Nonviolence (IN) initiative. This program supports community-based organizations that aim to build safer, healthier communities by reducing firearm-related harm through education, intervention, and community engagement. The IN initiative is a response to the public health crisis of firearm violence, which is now the leading cause of death for children and teens aged 1–17 in the U.S. In 2023 alone, there were 1,512 violent crimes involving firearms across the 16 counties in western and central New York, with Erie and Onondaga Counties experiencing the highest rates. Applicants can pursue funding through one of two tracks. The "Close the Gap" opportunity provides up to $5,000 for organizations with existing gun violence prevention programs that already receive funding from other sources. This funding must be used to enhance program delivery or cover costs not supported by the primary grant funding, such as training materials or participant incentives. The "Expand the Reach" opportunity offers up to $15,000 for either new or expanded projects specifically targeting pregnant and birthing people, children under five, older adults, and their caregivers. Potential initiatives include community education, clinical training, or addressing the needs of individuals with cognitive or physical impairments. To be eligible, applicants must operate within the Foundation’s 16-county service area and either have 501(c)(3) status or be affiliated with a fiscal sponsor that does. For "Close the Gap", applicants must already be managing a funded program addressing gun violence. For "Expand the Reach", applicants must already work with, or plan to work with, the priority populations or partner with organizations that do. Applications must be submitted online via the Foundation’s Fluxx platform by June 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Questions about the grant can be directed to imaginenonviolence@hfwcny.org by May 20, 2025, with the FAQ document released on May 23. A virtual evaluation workshop is scheduled for October 17, 2025, followed by a kickoff event on November 12, 2025, when grant contracts begin. Learning community meetings will take place in April and July 2026, culminating in a capstone event on November 6, 2026. Application questions vary depending on the funding track. Both require details about the applicant organization, the program or project proposed, and the intended use of funds. "Expand the Reach" applicants must also provide a project budget and address questions on community engagement, gaps addressed, project impact, and any partnerships involved. Awardees will participate in a learning community and are expected to report on outcomes and engage in evaluation activities throughout the grant period. The Foundation has also compiled a list of resources and promising programs to assist applicants in shaping their proposals. These include toolkits, reports, and initiatives from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, Be SMART, SAFE, and others, focusing on evidence-based firearm safety interventions and public health education.