Gun Violence Reduction Grant (GVRG)

The Gun Violence Reduction Grant (GVRG) is administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in Maryland. This program was established through the Responsible Gun Safety Act of 2000, which led to the formation of the Maryland Ceasefire Council. The Council, chaired by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police or their designee, collaborates with GOCPP to reduce firearms-related crimes across Maryland. The GVRG supports the state’s strategic crime prevention and public safety goals by funding innovative initiatives aimed at mitigating gun violence through targeted enforcement, prosecution, and investigative strategies. For State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027, the GVRG program makes approximately $926,940 in state funding available to eligible law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. The program offers up to 25 awards, with funding amounts ranging from $15,000 to $100,000 based on jurisdictional needs and the severity of firearm-related incidents. Jurisdictions are categorized into low, moderate, or high impact, determined by the number of annual firearm-related crimes. Awards are scaled accordingly: up to $25,000 for low-impact jurisdictions, $50,000–$75,000 for moderate-impact, and up to $100,000 for high-impact areas. State’s Attorney’s Offices (SAOs) can also apply for up to $100,000 regardless of jurisdiction impact level. All awards are contingent on the final approval of GOCPP’s budget during Maryland’s legislative session. Funding can be applied toward a range of eligible uses, including personnel and overtime costs for law enforcement and prosecutors, covert firearm investigations, intelligence gathering, firearm tracing, technology acquisition, and equipment purchases. The program also supports other firearm violence reduction strategies aligned with best practices and evidence-based methodologies. However, funding cannot be used for construction, food and beverages, lobbying, or other unallowable costs. Notably, drone purchases require extensive documentation, including proof of operator certification, a “Made in the USA” certification, and a letter of support from the County Executive. Eligible applicants are limited to local and state law enforcement agencies and SAOs in Maryland. Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN) lead sites are not eligible to apply but allied MCIN partners are encouraged to submit applications. Agencies must submit a single application and provide local firearm crime statistics for the past three years. Applications must include several narrative sections, such as the organizational overview, problem statement, project design, data collection plan, goals and objectives, sustainability strategy, and budget justification. Compliance with System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration and a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is required throughout the grant lifecycle. All applications must be submitted through the Grants Management System (GMS) at https://grants.gocpp.maryland.gov by 11:59 PM ET on March 13, 2026. Applications submitted in hard copy will not be accepted. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the technical assistance session scheduled for February 17, 2026, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM via Google Meet. User IDs for the GMS must be requested no later than February 27, 2026. Required uploads include an organizational chart, SAM registration screenshot, W-9, assurances, lobbying certification, financial documents, and a completed Organizational Capacity Questionnaire (OCQ). Applications will be evaluated on a 100-point scale, considering factors like project design, data-driven goals, budget clarity, and applicant history. Successful applicants will be notified in June 2026, with project implementation beginning July 1, 2026, and concluding by June 30, 2027. This program is issued annually and includes recurring cycles. Applicants must submit quarterly progress and financial reports and align with state policies on fiscal accountability and anti-supplanting rules. GOCPP encourages the use of data and performance measurement to track outputs and outcomes, such as arrests, seizures, prosecutions, and NIBIN hits.

Clearly include firearm-related statistics for each of the past three years as required; incomplete data may disqualify the application.