This year, the California legislature approved $209 million for competitive 3-year grants to cities disproportionately impacted by violence to improve safety and promote healing in communities. 53 California cities are eligible to apply for this grant, more than ever before!

In San Diego County, community-based organizations (CBOs) that serve the residents of the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, or El Cajon are also eligible to apply. You are receiving this email either because your organization has been identified as a potential applicant, or because we believe you have community connections to help spread the word about these grants.

This letter (attached) provides information about two informational meetings the week of December 13, as well as the Request for Proposal to apply for this grant.==

The historic increase in funding for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) grant program provides an opportunity for CBOs to obtain impactful funding to address rising violence in CA. CalVIP presently provides funds to three organizations in San Diego County (SBCS, Kitchens for Good, and Shaphat Outreach), as well as organizations across the state doing ground breaking and life saving work like Advance Peace in Sacramento, YouthAlive! in Oakland, and The Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade.

If you are or know an organization that could qualify, please share this information and RFP. CalVIP grants are designed to interrupt cycles of violence and retaliation in order to reduce the incidence of homicides, shootings, and aggravated assaults. CalVIP grants are used to support, expand and replicate evidence-based violence reduction initiatives, including but not limited to:

• hospital-based violence intervention programs,

• evidence-based street outreach programs, and

• focused deterrence strategies.

On Nov. 19, 2021 the BSCC released the RFP for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention fund (CalVIP). Because the timeline to apply is so quick, it is critical that community based organizations and cities engaging in violence prevention and intervention eligible for this funding are aware of the opportunity as soon as possible.

Milestone RFP Dates:

Dec. 17, 2021: Bidders conference

Jan. 7, 2022: Letter of interest due (optional but recommended)

Feb. 11, 2022: Proposals due

July 1, 2022: Grant period begins

In addition, I invite you to join a Zoom mtg hosted by Everytown for Gun Safety Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 1PM to learn more about applying for this program. This call will provide information about the CalVIP program and point to key resources, timelines and other information we hope is helpful to your success in applying for this critical funding that can save lives. Speakers will include special guest Michael D. Tubbs, whose leadership and innovation while Mayor of Stockton included investing in local-based community violence intervention and prevention strategies. I hope that someone you know from either your or another community-based organization you know that may be eligible to apply for CalVIP will join this call (please sign up in advance).

For questions about the RFP or the proposal process please email CalVIP-3@bscc.ca.gov. For general information about the CalVIP program or the CalVIP Coalition please direct your email to Brittany Nieto (bnieto@giffords.org). If you have any further questions, please reach out to me directly, and I will do my best to help guide you to information (theresehymer@sbcglobal.net).

Thank you for spreading the word.

Sincerely,
Therese H. Hymer
San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention
Board Member, Legislative Team Chair
Moms Demand Action
San Diego Legislative Lead