Hochul: $5 million available for qualified NYS gun violence prevention program funding to support community-led, youth-based programs

Funding to support community-led youth-based programs for two years

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the New York State Department of Health, in collaboration with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, will make available $5 million in state funding for a qualified organization to support grassroots, community-based organizations that create and maintain local programming for youth in neighborhoods experiencing the highest rates of gun violence. 

Interested organizations should complete the request for applications here. Deadline to apply for the funding, which is available over a two-year period, is Nov. 8.

“Too many lives have been lost because of senseless gun violence, but in New York we are working to make sure that ends,” Hochul said. “This funding will help community-based organizations support at-risk youth in their neighborhoods to keep them off the streets and away from guns. My administration is committed to making our state safer and ensuring our youth have bright futures filled with opportunity over violence.”

The Health Department’s office of gun violence prevention (OGVP), part of the office of health equity and human rights (OHEHR), is partnering with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to distribute $2.5 million annually for two years to an organization serving as a fiscal, contractual and project manager facilitating this investment in community-based organizations.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “As gun violence continues to take lives and tear apart communities, we remain committed to addressing the root causes of gun violence, and we thank Gov. Hochul for her continued support and leadership in combating this public health crisis. We are also proud to partner with the Division of Criminal Justice Services to offer this funding opportunity as part of a new, comprehensive strategy to build a safer New York.”

Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “For too many New Yorkers, especially teens and young adults, gun violence is a daily reality. While our local law enforcement and community partners have made significant progress in this fight, we need to do more to support programs and services that provide young people with opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. I look forward to partnering with the Department of Health to make that happen.

Hochul’s team said, “Community youth programs will allow youth ranging in age from 12 to 24 to receive various services, including therapeutic support, such as individual and group mental health and behavioral counseling; Additionally, young people will have the opportunity to participate in STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics – and arts activities, as well as recreation and sports.

“After the Supreme Court issued its June 23, 2023, decision in Bruen, Gov. Hochul convened a special session of the Legislature to act on legislation that strengthened New York's pistol permitting process, providing a national model for gun safety, and leading the fight against gun violence. These new laws include requirements for comprehensive background checks, and firearm safety and live-fire training for individuals seeking to obtain concealed carry permits. They also prohibit concealed carry permit holders from bringing their firearms into sensitive locations, including schools, government buildings and hospitals, and require renewal or recertification of permits every three years. New York state also launched a gun safety website to provide the public, gun owners and gun dealers with comprehensive information about the new requirements under state law.”

Hochul previously announced $337 million in the FY24 budget allocated to support a multifaceted plan to target gun violence and violent crime, which included investment in both gun involved violence elimination (GIVE) programs and SNUG street outreach programs, which operate in 14 communities statewide.

The Health Department’s OGVP investment of $5 million will support many of the DCJS gun involved violence elimination jurisdictions.

Hochul’s team said, “GIVE is a key component of New York state’s shooting homicide reduction strategy, and provides additional resources in communities with the highest rates of gun violence. These counties historically account for more than 80% of the violent crime that occurs in New York state outside of New York City.”