Chicago City Wire

The Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC) has announced a significant investment of $100 million to support community violence intervention (CVI) programs across the greater Chicago region. This initiative involves collaboration among city, county, and state government partners to enhance community safety.

Lanetta Haynes Turner, Chief of Staff for Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “This unprecedented intergovernmental collaboration is bringing targeted resources and deep support to our communities. We’re proud to work together to bring these grant opportunities to organizations making an impact in community violence intervention.”

The funding initiative for 2025 includes two main grant opportunities totaling approximately $57 million. These grants are available through the Reimagine Violence Prevention Services Program by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Lead Organization for Expanding Capacity for Community Violence Interventions - Street Outreach Services sponsored by the City of Chicago.

Additionally, a $2.5 million funding opportunity will be provided to establish a centralized Capacity Building Network for Community Safety. This network is supported by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and aims to assist community-based organizations that serve vulnerable communities at high risk for gun violence.

Organizations interested in applying can find more information on the GASC website at ILGovAlliance.org and on individual agency websites.

Quiwana Bell from the Illinois Department of Human Services highlighted their commitment: “Every life lost to gun violence leaves a lasting impact on our communities. Through this initiative, we are investing in solutions that center on the people most impacted, empowering them with services and support rooted in evidence-based practices.”

The City of Chicago plans to administer up to $11.6 million through its Request for Proposals (RFP) process, focusing on selecting a lead organization and associated network that will provide CVI services in designated communities.

CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige addressed the racial disparities caused by violence: “Violence is one of the top three drivers of the racial life expectancy gap for Black Chicagoans. It is critical that together...we work to engage residents most at-risk through proven violence intervention programming.”

Delrice Adams from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority expressed support for local organizations: "Community organizations are vitally important in identifying and addressing local violence prevention and intervention needs and issues.”

Since its formation in 2021, GASC has facilitated nearly $350 million in public investments aimed at enhancing community safety.