Niagara Region is now accepting applications for the Building Safer Communities Grant Program, which funds community-based efforts to prevent youth gun and gang violence locally. In partnership with Public Safety Canada, the Building Safer Communities Fund will be used to implement Niagara’s Gun and Gang Prevention stragerty. The initiative aligns with prevention activities identified with Niagara’s Community and Well-Being plan. Applicants may request between $10,000 to $300,000 per year, for up to two years.To be eligible for funding, organizations must:
-Be incorporated as a non-profit organization, registered charity or be an urban off-reserve Indigenous-led organization
-Support children, youth and young adults (ages six to 26) in evidence-based prevention programs or initiatives
-Align with at least one of the key areas of focus as identified in Niagara’s Gun and Gang Prevention Strategy
-Provide services to Niagara region residents
-Ensure equitable and inclusive service delivery to diverse and/or marginalized youth at-risk
Applications will be accepted until October 22, 2023. Funding will be available for a two-year period beginning January 2024 and ending in December 2025. Niagara Region will be hosting three information sessions to help community organizations learn about the grant and application process:
Session one: Monday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (virtual)
Session two: Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6 – 8 p.m. (virtual)
Session three: Friday, Oct. 6, 1 – 3 p.m. (in person, Welland Public Health, 200 Division St. Welland)
To register for an information session, email cswb@niagararegion.ca.