BSCC awards $9.2 Million in Anti-Gang Grants
SACRAMENTO, Nov. 13, 2014 – The Board of State and Community Corrections awarded $9.2 million in grants to 19 cities that demonstrated sound community partnerships to combat gang issues. Since 2007 funding for CalGRIP has come from the State Budget Act, which appropriates $9.2 million annually from the State Restitution Fund. The City of Los Angeles receives $1 million of that amount, leaving the rest to be competitively allocated by the BSCC. The awards approved by the Board on Thursday bring to $18.4, including local matches, the amount of anti-gang funding now in use across California. Cities could request up to $500,000. This year 48 cities applied to the Board and requested more than $19 million in funding. The successful applicants, listed here, may allocate the funds to community-based organizations and public agencies that target youth, and to law enforcement agencies and probation departments that engage in suppression strategies. The successful cities were required to provide anti-gang programs and strategies that are evidence based. They also must use an advisory council to help prioritize the use of funds. Cities were encouraged to establish a regional approach toward combating gangs. The maximum grant is $500,000. At least 20 percent of funds a city receives must go to community-based organizations. Cities must match 100 percent of the grant money received. Programs will begin Jan. 1, 2015. To view the Cities Recommended for Funding here.