City of Pittsburgh STOP the Violence Grant

The 2025 STOP the Violence Community Investment Grant is an initiative of the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Safety, managed through its STOP the Violence Office. This program is part of the city’s broader strategy to combat community violence through direct investment in grassroots organizations. Established to support projects that promote safety and reduce violence in the neighborhoods most affected, the grant focuses on community-driven interventions and aims to address root causes of violence rather than solely reacting to its symptoms. In 2025, the City of Pittsburgh has increased the program’s funding from $1 million to $2 million, doubling its investment to support additional projects. This funding enhancement reflects the city's commitment to expanding its community-based violence prevention efforts and aligns with broader goals outlined in the Pittsburgh Plan for Peace, which launched in 2022. Eligible applicants are expected to deliver programs that have measurable impacts on reducing violence, building community trust, and offering direct support to high-risk individuals. Applicants must demonstrate a strong service history, operational connections to impacted communities, and a deep understanding of local violence dynamics. Funding may be used to support a wide range of community-based peacemaking initiatives. These include, but are not limited to, collaboration with city agencies, supporting the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy, youth and adult diversion efforts, and broader civic engagement that contributes to public safety. Emphasis is placed on local partnerships and integration with existing city programming to ensure alignment and maximize impact. Programs should demonstrate evidence-based approaches and community credibility to be competitive. To qualify for the grant, organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating within or serving residents of Pittsburgh. They must have a track record of effective violence prevention strategies, existing relationships with those most impacted by violence, and the ability to deliver proven services to high-risk populations. The grant is not available to individuals or for-profit entities, and applicants must be able to illustrate their readiness to implement programming immediately upon funding. The application period begins on April 1, 2025, and ends May 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. All applications must be submitted via the Department of Public Safety’s designated submission system. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. A review period will follow from May through July 2025, with final decisions and grantee notifications scheduled for late July or early August 2025. Applicants seeking assistance or clarification may contact Ian Reynolds, STOP the Violence Coordinator, via email at ian.reynolds@pittsburghpa.gov or by phone at 412-518-1207. Additional support materials and community resources are available through newera412.com/resources, a hub utilized by STOP the Violence outreach workers for referrals. Organizations interested in this funding opportunity should ensure they meet all requirements and prepare a strong proposal that aligns with the goals of the Pittsburgh Plan for Peace.