Grand Rapids is offering residents and local nonprofits a small-grant route to test youth-focused violence-prevention ideas. The city’s SAFE Task Force says eligible projects must operate in Grand Rapids, address violence or gun violence, focus on people ages 15 to 24, and run between March and September 2027.
Applicants must submit the city’s online form by 5 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 23. People chosen to pitch will have five minutes to present at the Oct. 28 Pitch and Highlight Night, scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. at the MLK Park Community Center, 900 Fuller Ave. SE.
Five proposals will be selected for city partnerships, with funding of up to $10,000 for each winner. Applicants should explain how their idea would reduce violence, create constructive opportunities or address youth mental-health concerns, and connect the proposal to the SAFE Task Force or an applicable city strategic plan.
The award amount is a maximum, not a guaranteed payment. Applicants should use the official city form and SAFE Task Force page for controlling instructions or later updates before submitting.