California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Grant Program

CalVIP grants must be used to support, expand, and replicate evidence-based violence reduction initiatives that seek to interrupt cycles of violence.  Strategies eligible for funding could include but are not limited to: hospital-based violence intervention programs, evidence-based street outreach programs, and focused deterrence strategies.

Assembly Bill (AB) 1603 (Chapter 735, Statutes of 2019), also known as the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, was signed by the Governor on October 11, 2019 (Attachment D-3). This bill codified the CalVIP grant program and the authority and duties of the BSCC in administering the program, including the establishment of a grant selection advisory committee (the CalVIP ESC), selection criteria for grants, and reporting requirements to the Legislature. It narrows the focus of the CalVIP grant to include initiatives that “improve public health and safety line by supporting effective violence reduction initiatives in communities that are disproportionately impacted by violence, particularly group-member involved homicides, shootings, and aggravated assaults.” Grant period. CalVIP grants will be awarded for a 39-month term, from 10/1/2022 to 12/31/2025. The first three years (10/1/2022 to 6/30/2025) are for implementation and service delivery. The last six months (7/1/2025 to 12/31/2025) are for completion of the financial audit and final evaluation report. Eligibility. Only cities that are disproportionately impacted by violence and the CBOs that serve the residents of those cities are eligible to apply for a CalVIP grant. Community-based organizations (CBOs) eligible for CalVIP funding include any nongovernmental organization that provides direct services to the community and meets the following eligibility criteria. Private individuals, independent contractors, professional grants management organizations, consulting firms, auditors, and evaluators may not apply directly for CalVIP funds (though they may be included as partners on a CalVIP grant project). Funding thresholds. Eligible cities (see Table 1) and the CBOs that serve the residents of those cities may apply for up to $6 million with a specific set-aside for small-scope CBOs that are eligible to apply for up to $400,000. The total available funding through this CalVIP Request for Proposals is $53,440,829. Eligible grant activities. CalVIP grants must be used to support, expand, and replicate evidence-based violence reduction initiatives that seek to interrupt cycles of violence. Strategies eligible for funding could include but are not limited to: hospital-based violence intervention programs, evidence-based street outreach programs, andfocused deterrence strategies. Target population. Initiatives funded by CalVIP must be primarily focused on providing violence intervention services to the small segment of the population that is identified as having the highest risk of perpetrating or being victimized by violence in the near future. Match requirement. All applicants must provide a 100% match to state funds awarded (cash or in-kind). Pass-through requirement for cities. City applicants must agree to distribute at least 50% of the grant funds it receives to one or more of the following:a) CBOs or b) public agencies (other than the lead applicant agency) that are primarily dedicated to community safety or violence prevention. Reporting requirements. CalVIP grantees will be required to submit quarterly progress reports, a Local Evaluation Plan (6 months post-award) and a Final Local Evaluation Report.