CPC Launches Community Grants Program to Support Programs that Reduce the Need for Police Activity

This week, the Community Police Commission (CPC) launched its community grants program to support local, Cleveland-based violence prevention, restorative-justice, and mediation programs that reduce the need for police activity, with $1 million in total funding.

In accordance with the city of Cleveland’s Charter Section 115-5, the CPC receives an annual budget for grantmaking that is at least 0.5% of the Cleveland Division of Police’s total budget.

“We’re excited to launch a grant program that directly supports Cleveland residents in creating meaningful impact in our community,” said CPC Co-chair Jan Ridgeway. “This grant opportunity will give funds directly to Cleveland organizations to develop community-centered initiatives that can reduce and prevent violence in our community and improve relationships between our communities and our police department.”

Community-led initiatives that address trauma, violence prevention, and conflict resolution are beneficial for both the community and officers. These programs typically empower citizens at the grassroots level to take direct action when faced with certain problems. This can reduce the overall strain on police resources and free them to focus on other matters of public safety.

The CPC will award grants up to $50,000 for Cleveland non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations or individuals with a fiscal sponsor. Grant requests for larger amounts will be considered with the understanding there will be a longer and more extensive approval process. A public virtual information session will be held in the following weeks that will walk interested applicants through the application process and include a question and answer session.

Applications are due July 31, 2023. For more information about the program, eligibility, and to apply for the CPC community grants program, visit: clecpc.org/community-grants.