The FY25 Empowering Communities Through Innovative Violence Intervention Grant is offered by the DC Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) to support organizations implementing strategies to reduce gun violence in Washington, D.C. The grant period runs from January 1 to September 30, 2025, with up to $5 million in funding available. The primary goal is to empower communities affected by gun violence by promoting interventions that engage at-risk individuals, especially those aged 18-35, through violence prevention, crisis response, life coaching, and mentorship programs.
Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, including for-profit and faith-based entities, that are registered and in good standing in the District of Columbia. These organizations must demonstrate the capacity to execute grant requirements immediately upon award, including staffing, intervention efforts, and compliance with reporting standards. The ONSE will prioritize funding for organizations with experience working directly with communities impacted by gun violence and those that use evidence-based approaches to intervention.
The grant supports various activities aimed at reducing violence, such as employing Violence Intervention Specialists who respond to critical incidents, mediate disputes, and engage in community outreach. Grantees must offer services like crisis response, conflict resolution, and mentoring to help participants achieve personal goals, secure employment, and access mental health services. The grant also requires detailed monthly reporting on program metrics and adherence to performance benchmarks, such as increased participation in the ONSE Pathways Program and improved conflict resolution outcomes.
Applications are due by November 18, 2024, and must be submitted through Zoomgrants. An initial screening will ensure all required documents are present, and a diverse review panel will evaluate the proposals based on criteria like organizational experience, project description, past performance, and budget clarity. The ONSE reserves the right to adjust the number and amount of awards based on the quality of applications and available budget.
Organizations are encouraged to attend an online information session on October 29, 2024, to gain a better understanding of the grant requirements. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, with the possibility of a one-time advance for start-up costs. Reporting requirements include regular updates on performance metrics, participant engagement, and financial expenditures throughout the grant period.
