Applications open for OPHS grants to reduce violence

Annual grant opportunities for community groups that work in violence reduction efforts are open.  

The amount of the money distributed by the Office of Public Health and Safety that aims to address the root causes of violence is unchanged this year.  This round offers $300,000 in grants.

In the past, three to four grassroots groups are awarded to help build capacity and sustainability. 

OPHS Director Lauren Rodriguez said this year they will look to fund intervention programs that target youth.

“We’re seeing more and more reports of youth having guns and becoming the victims and or becoming the shooters, so we want to figure out what it is that they need,” Rodriguez said.

More neighborhood grassroots groups have received money this year through the Elevation grants.  The city is providing a total of $45 million in federal relief funds over three years to community groups.

OPHS hope to reach new organizations through this round.

Rodriguez says the focused work of violence prevention and intervention must happen in the neighborhoods.

“By giving out these grants and making sure that they are the community organizations that are doing the work that get to apply for them” Rodriguez said, “then that means we know it’s going to be tailored to the community that’s receiving the dollars.”
Nonprofit organizations that serve Indianapolis neighborhoods with higher violent crime rates may apply here. The deadline for applications is August 22.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.