Three $15,000 awards will support community-led strategies that promote safer, healthier neighborhoods

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – The Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention is investing in community-driven violence prevention solutions by offering grants to organizations that can quickly implement projects to build safer neighborhoods. The program will award three $15,000 Violence Prevention Community Awards to eligible organizations focused on youth engagement and programming, violence interruption, and justice-based advocacy and prevention.

The Violence Prevention Community Award application period is open now through July 21 at 10:00am. 

“The people who live and work in our neighborhoods know their communities best,” said Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention Administrator Myesha Watkins. “Creating safer environments starts with listening to residents and investing in community-led solutions. These awards will allow the County to work alongside active community organizations, empowering residents with the resources and support they need to prevent violence and promote peace.”

The County is seeking proposals from experienced community organizations that intend to implement violence prevention strategies in neighborhoods most impacted by violence. Successful proposals will focus on community organization, youth engagement, violence interruption, mentoring opportunities, and approaches that promote safer, healthier neighborhoods.

Vendor Minimum Qualifications:

• Vendors must have at least three years of experience with community engagement and violence prevention.
• Vendors CANNOT be listed on any federal, state, or county debarment lists.

Grants will be awarded in three categories:

1. Youth Engagement & Prevention Programming – Mentor youth through structured programming, life-skills development, and positive recreational activities designed to reduce risk factors associated with violence involvement.
2. Violence Interruption & Hotspot Outreach – Street outreach workers able to engage individuals in high-risk areas to mediate conflicts, interrupt potential violence, and connect residents to employment, behavioral health, and social services.
3. Mentoring, Court Advocacy & Prevention Education – Support justice-involved youth through mentorship, court navigation support, family engagement, and violence prevention education workshops.

Organizations interested in applying for a Violence Prevention Community Award should visit the County’s Department of Purchasing website to learn about and register to do business with Cuyahoga County. Find the full grant description and application online.