The 2025 STOP the Violence Community Investment Grant is an initiative of the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety, designed to empower local organizations in preventing violence and promoting safety in neighborhoods most affected by community violence. Coordinated through the City’s STOP the Violence Office, this program supports organizations actively working to reduce crime and address the root causes of violence among high-risk populations.

For the 2025 cycle, the City has doubled the program’s funding allocation from $1 million to $2 million, enabling expanded investment in violence prevention programs. Eligible organizations are invited to propose programs that demonstrate measurable impacts on reducing violence, supporting high-risk individuals, and creating safer communities. Projects should show strong connections with impacted populations, a proven service record, and a clear understanding of community violence.

Organizations must meet several eligibility criteria, including:

Being a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Operating within or serving residents of the City of Pittsburgh

Demonstrating experience in implementing violence prevention strategies

Having established relationships with those most impacted by violence

A track record of delivering effective services or resources to at-risk communities

The application period opens April 1, 2025, and closes May 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted through the Department of Public Safety’s streamlined system, and late submissions will not be considered. Following a review period from May to July 2025, selected grantees will be notified in late July or early August 2025.

The grants specifically support community-led peacemaking efforts and prioritize collaboration among local organizations, city agencies, and residents. Projects funded through this grant align with the goals outlined in the Pittsburgh Plan for Peace, which was launched in 2022 to provide a comprehensive and proactive approach to violence reduction. Funded programs are intended to complement the City's ongoing efforts including Group Violence Intervention (GVI), Youth & Adult Diversion programs, and broader community engagement.

For questions or assistance, applicants are encouraged to reach out to Ian Reynolds, STOP the Violence Coordinator, at ian.reynolds@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-518-1207. Additional resources and support services are available at newera412.com/resources, a platform used by STOP the Violence outreach workers to refer community members to essential services.