Commissioner Aguilar Encourages Applications for Cook County Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grants
Commissioner Aguilar Encourages Applications for Cook County Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grants (Cook County, IL) — The Cook County Justice Advisory Council Seeks to Award up to $65 million in grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
On Wednesday, March 8th, the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) released the formal application for the 2022 Gun Violence Prevention & Reduction Grant opportunity. The grant program is designed as a robust response to the high levels of gun violence experienced in certain community areas of Cook County, coinciding with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The safety of our residents is my top priority as your Cook County Commissioner. These grants will give local stakeholders the resources they need to make an impact in their community and reduce gun violence in meaningful ways,” said Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar. “I am thrilled the county is allocating ARPA funds directly towards gun violence solutions. Gun violence is an epidemic that far precedes COVID-19, and our response must be aggressive.”
The Cook County Gun Violence Prevention & Reduction Grants are funded through the federal Covid-19 recovery initiative, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). In preparation for the historic level of funding coming from the federal government, Cook County has engaged with partners at the City of Chicago and State of Illinois to plan for effective and coordinated distribution of Violence Prevention funding.
“Addressing the gun violence crisis we are experiencing in Cook County is one of our highest priorities,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This is why we have prioritized the Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grant Program as one of the first ARPA-funded initiatives the county is implementing. This investment will result in long-term, community-driven solutions to gun violence. When we stabilize and support our communities struggling with crime and violence, we honor our commitment to equity and we increase safety for all residents.”
Gun Violence Prevention Targets Mental Healthy, Employment
The Justice Advisory Council has developed this grant opportunity to be accessible for both large and small programs that prevent or reduce instances of gun violence. The Cook County Gun Violence Prevention & Reduction Grants will fund a variety of violence prevention strategies including mental health and employment services, street outreach and case management as well as other services which support residents at-risk of being involved in community violence. Up to $65 million in grant funds may be awarded during this grant cycle.
Key Dates:
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March 8, 2022 – Application materials and guide available
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March 14, 2022, 10:00am – Optional Pre-Submittal Conference
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April 11, 2022 – Applications due for proposals over $1.5 million
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May 9, 2022 – Applications due for proposals $1.5 million and under
For more information and application materials, visit cookcountyil.gov/JACGrants
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