2024 Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program

The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $500,000 in federal funds through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Grant Program. Donor Name: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services State: Virginia City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The PSN program awards federal funds to provide comprehensive, collaborative, and community-based approaches to reducing violent crime using a full range of appropriate violent crime reduction strategies. As the State Administrative Agency (SAA), DCJS has the responsibility of managing the coordination and distribution of PSN funds in a manner that supports and improves the overall criminal justice system of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Funding Areas  The overall goal for this initiative is to reduce violent crime and promote safe communities across the Eastern District of Virginia through the reduction of gun violence and gang activity, with special focus on areas with increased rates of violent crime/gang activity. Toward that goal, the program seeks to fund projects that will enhance progress toward the below priorities. However, innovative, evidence-based projects outside of these priorities, which are aimed at reducing firearm and gang violence, will also be considered: Group Violence Intervention (GVI): Strategies and programs that promote prevention and intervention by forming partnerships between law enforcement, local government, and the community. GVI includes community members with moral authority connecting with group members or individuals susceptible to violence to deliver a credible moral message against violence. Law enforcement puts groups on prior notice about the consequences of further group-involved violence for the group, and support and outreach providers make a genuine offer of help for those who want it. Gun and Gang Crime Investigation/Suppression: Programs (or task forces) to focus on perpetrators of gun and gang-related crimes. This can include the illegal possession of firearms, the illegal sale of guns, or other crimes committed to benefit a “gang.” Multiagency cooperation should be demonstrated (e.g., both state and federal involvement). Firearms Analysis: Programs that should enhance and provide support for state and local law enforcement agencies that analyze firearms and ballistic evidence (including NIBIN analysis and tracing of firearms). Prevention and Reentry Programs: Programs dedicated to violent crime prevention and the identification of persons at high risk of offending (e.g., educational, faith-based, community-oriented, outreach, etc.). Additionally, programs dedicated to the successful reentry of offenders with housing, educational, and vocational partnerships. Funding Information The amount of funding available for this solicitation of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program is approximately $500,000. Applicants submitting a grant may apply for funds between $25,000 and $200,000. Grant Period Grants will be awarded for a 12-month period, once the grant program is approved by BJA; however, a 24-month period may be considered depending on the need specified in the application. Eligibility Criteria  This grant announcement is open to local and state law enforcement agencies, local and state governmental entities, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations located in, or serving the Eastern District of Virginia. Three regions impacted most by violent crime will receive a funding preference—Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk—but other cities across the Eastern District with high violent crime rates will also be considered. For more information, visit DCJS.