Connecticut Governor Rell: $1.5 Million Available in Urban Youth Violence Prevention Grants

August 15, 2007 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today said that grants are now available for programs that seek to reduce urban youth violence in Connecticut. Grant applications are due September 12 and awards will be announced during the week of September 24.

“We expect that 15 to 30 projects will be funded in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 each,” Governor Rell said. “We want to get the word out to all of our cities and nonprofits that this is a great opportunity to gain extra funding for programs that reach out to young people between the ages of 12 and 18.

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“The best solutions in addressing youth violence go far beyond law enforcement and must include employment, athletic, recreational and other initiatives to redirect the energies of young people who may become involved in criminal activity.

“We must do everything we can to expand job opportunities and recreational opportunities for our young people. We want to strengthen neighborhood efforts that mobilize residents to reclaim and build their communities. Until we are able to finally break the cycles of violence, the future will simply resemble the past.”

Eligible applicants for the Urban Youth Violence Prevention Program include urban municipalities and nonprofit agencies acting on behalf of urban municipalities. Eligible applicants may apply to serve one urban neighborhood per application. Applicants may submit multiple applications with each application proposing to serve a different neighborhood.

The grants are for anti-violence programs and services targeting urban youth between ages 12 and 18. Grant funds may be used for:

* training on topics designed to reduce youth violence, such as problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, and peer counseling
* mentoring
* tutoring, enrichment, social, and cultural activities
* athletics and recreation
* implementing strategies to (a) address imminent violence, (b) collaborate to reduce street violence, and (c) improve police-community relations.

Grant recipients must involve parents and youth in program planning and operations on an ongoing basis.

For more information, interested parties can visit http://www.das.state.ct.us/rfpdoc/OPM03/bids/uyvpapp2007_2008.pdf or Governor Rell’s website at www.ct.gov/governorrell .

Source: Connecticut Governor