Bend the Arc Grant

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is offering the Asset Forfeiture for Racial Justice Grant Program, aligning with District Attorney Jeff Rosen’s "Bend the Arc" reforms. The core mission of these reforms is to combat racial discrimination and disproportionality, thereby fostering equity within the criminal justice system. This grant program is a direct extension of this mission, seeking to support initiatives that address and rectify racial inequities in the community. The program aims to leverage asset forfeiture funds to create positive change and promote a more just and equitable society within Santa Clara County. The target beneficiaries of this program are marginalized communities within Santa Clara County, particularly those affected by racial inequities in the criminal justice system. The grant funding is specifically designated to benefit these communities, ensuring that the resources are directed to where they are most needed. The overarching impact goal is to reduce racial disparities and promote equity, ultimately leading to a more fair and inclusive community. This is achieved by supporting programs, events, and causes that directly confront and resolve issues of racial injustice. The program prioritizes initiatives that successfully address racial inequities in the community. Grant requests are considered for programmatic support, events, and various causes that align with this focus. A crucial guideline is that the grant funding cannot be used retroactively; the award must be granted before the project or event commences. This ensures that the funding supports future-oriented efforts to address current and ongoing racial disparities. Expected outcomes include tangible progress in reducing racial discrimination and disproportionality within the criminal justice system and the broader community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on "successfully addressing racial inequities" implies a commitment to demonstrable positive change. The program's strategic priority is to advance the "Bend the Arc" reforms, utilizing grant funding as a tool to implement a theory of change that centers on community-based solutions to systemic racial injustices. The maximum award per recipient is up to $5,000, and each organization, individual, or group may submit only one application, ensuring a broad distribution of funds to various impactful initiatives.