New grant application open now for local organizations in need of ‘Stop the Violence' grants

An Action News Jax investigation has uncovered the reason why local faith-based and grassroots organizations have not yet received city-funded grants to stop the violence.

Action News Jax first told you on Tuesday that $364,000 for the Stop the Violence initiatives were delayed.

On Wednesday, Action News Jax Investigator Courtney Cole learned  that money was on hold and when it will become available.

STORY: Local grassroots organizations yet to see money from ‘Stop the Violence’ grants

"Having to create a process that didn’t exist has been part of what’s caused what some might perceive as a delay,” said Joseph Peppers, the CEO of Kids Hope Alliance.

Peppers explained there are two different pots of money, all being used for the Stop the Violence grants.

The first is the $50,000 put forth for the cause by Mayor Lenny Curry.

Just short of 100 organizations applied for that last month, and a little over 40 applications were accepted, according to Peppers.

STORY: Jacksonville mayor, sheriff address programs to stop the violence

KHA plans to contact the organizations whose applications have been accepted for the $50,000.00 by the end of this week.

Now, $364,000 is being made available.

"We will open up applications for the $364,000 today [Wednesday]. One of the other pieces of that, we had to wait for the budget to get approved. So that $364,000 was not available until Monday,” said Peppers.

The application process for this money will be different. Instead of filling out an RFP, organizations will now have to fill out a grant application to apply.

“What we’ve done through our board is create a grant application process, which is easier,” Peppers told Action News Jax.

In addition to nonprofit and faith-based organizations, the city is also now allowing unincorporated organizations to apply for the funds as well.

STORY: Father who lost son to gun violence makes it his mission to mentor misguided youth

“What I wanted to do was make sure no one got left out through this process. Not one kid or organization,” said City Councilman Reggie Gaffney. Gaffney represents the 7th District.

Peppers told Action News Jax organizations will have until Oct. 19 to apply.
KHA says you can apply on their website.

After Oct. 19, the Kids Hope Alliance will take about a week to evaluate and submit the applications to the board for approval before the money can be dispersed.

“I would just ask for patience and grace as we go through this process,” Peppers said.

Some have told Cole the process has left them frustrated and feeling abandoned by the city.

Peppers and Gaffney insist the dollars will hit the streets.

“We’re definitely going to make sure this happens this calendar year, before Thanksgiving,” Peppers said.

"If we don’t do this, we will have not just let the agencies down, we will have let the kids down. And nobody wants to let the kids down,” said Gaffney.

That’s because the city and local organizations alike know this money could make all the difference in the next generation of Jacksonville.

Click this link to apply.

Cox Media Group