Everytown to invest more than $2M in community violence intervention programs

Everytown for Gun Safety Fund will invest more than $2 million in community violence intervention programs in an effort to address gun violence across the nation. 

The investment, announced Thursday, will be awarded to 34 community organizations across 27 cities. It is intended to help the organizations sustain long-term projects and offer the opportunity to access additional government, philanthropic and corporate support.

Black voters in particular have identified community safety as a top issue ahead of November’s election. September polling from Everytown, Rolling Sea Action Fund PAC and Global Strategy Group found that Black voters in key battleground states almost universally support “common-sense” gun safety legislation. 

“It will take a focused, long-term commitment to end gun violence in America and it’s no question that safer, more resilient cities are being nurtured through the work of community violence intervention programs,” Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in a statement. 

Collaboration between government, philanthropy, and community organizations are “essential” to reducing gun violence, he added. 

“Together, we can protect our neighborhoods, break the cycle, save lives, and create a brighter future for all,” Horsford said. 

Cities with violence intervention programs have seen a significant decrease in gun homicides, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in part because such community-based programs center survivors of gun violence and individuals at risk of shooting or being shot to help break the cycle of violence. These programs often include street outreach, hospital-based violence intervention and services for survivors. 

The latest investments will be broken into three categories, with $1.5 million worth of grants divided among 15 organizations, $125,000 in innovation grants to five groups and $560,000 in sustainer grants to 14 organizations. 

“As cities across America continue to address persistent gun violence, sustaining community-based violence initiatives is critical to sustaining our progress,” said Michael-Sean Spence, managing director of community safety initiatives at Everytown and creator of the Everytown Community Safety Fund.

“Investing in [community violence intervention] organizations is a proven, research-backed solution to ending gun violence. Despite their effectiveness, these organizations remain significantly under-resourced. With our renewed commitment and collaboration, we will ensure these essential stakeholders have the necessary resources to protect the precious lives of our neighbors today and ensure their continued impact tomorrow.”

Congress and the Biden administration have also invested in addressing gun violence over the last four years. 

Last year, the administration established the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. In 2022, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which included $250 million in funding for the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative at the Department of Justice.

The 2021 American Rescue Plan also helped secure resourcing for community violence intervention programs around the country.