CHICAGO — A coalition of funders is awarding grants to South and West side nonprofits working to end gun violence in Chicago.
The Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities has $1 million to give out through its program, called The Chicago Fund, according to a news release.
The coalition is targeting small, community-based nonprofits planning events and activities in the summer and early fall, when gun violence typically spikes, “designed to build community cohesion and promote safety and peace,” according to the group.
Organizations can win $1,000-$10,000. Applications can be submitted through March 1.
The coalition launched in response to a surge in gun violence in 2016. Chicago saw more than 700 homicides that year, propelling the city into the national spotlight.
This year, the coalition has used the program to support more than 160 organizations keeping Black and Latino communities safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
The coalition hopes to expand that work with the latest round of grants.
“Against the backdrop of COVID-19, so many organizations reimagined their programming — not only to keep communities safe, but also to spread accurate information about the virus, and to incorporate mutual aid and food distribution programs that would help address long standing disinvestment that communities have experienced,” said Anna Lee with The Chicago Community Trust, a member of the coalition.
“With the 2021 fund, we believe we can help direct additional resources toward Chicagoans to help heal their communities.”
Grant award winners will be announced in April. For more details on the application process, go here.
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