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Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced $25 million in grant awards for community-based programming aimed at addressing gun violence. The funding is divided between two initiatives: the Cook County Community Violence Intervention (CC-CVI) initiative and the Cook County Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence (CC-SGV) initiative.
The CC-CVI initiative will receive $20 million to support community-based services for residents at risk of involvement in gun violence. Meanwhile, the CC-SGV initiative starts with a $5 million investment to assist survivors of gun violence and their families.
“Cook County is proud to invest in effective, evidence-backed approaches to community safety,” said Cook County Board President Preckwinkle. “With these grants, we are strategically supporting two key groups of residents: those most at risk of being involved in gun violence and those who are survivors of gun violence. By supporting our most vulnerable residents, we build safer communities for all.”
Recent data from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office indicates a decline in shooting incidents and homicides, with a reduction in gun homicides by over 35% from 2024 and more than 45% from 2021.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Cook County invested $110 million into violence prevention services through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The new initiatives aim to continue providing critical programs beyond ARPA's reach.
“Building safe and thriving communities takes strategic, long-term investment,” said Avik Das, Executive Director of the Cook County Justice Advisory Council. “We are committed to sustaining support for the life-saving prevention, intervention and healing work that is essential to disrupt cycles of gun violence and ensure communities can achieve lasting peace.”
The initiatives align with opportunities under the Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC), which includes leadership from Illinois state agencies, Cook County, and Chicago city officials. GASC collaborates with philanthropic entities to enhance community safety measures.
“Collaboration through the Government Alliance for Safe Communities has helped us improve how we administer public funding and support community-based organizations,” said Quiwana Bell, IDHS Assistant Secretary, Office of Firearm Violence Prevention.
Eighteen organizations will receive funding through CC-CVI for street outreach and victim services. "This investment represents a powerful commitment to peace and healing," stated Yolanda Fields from Breakthrough.
The CC-SGV initiative grants awards to ten organizations offering crisis intervention and behavioral health services. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to expand services that address the traumatic impact of gun violence on children, youth, and families,” commented Austa Murray from La Rabida Children’s Hospital.
For further details about these initiatives or other community safety investments, visit CookCountyIL.gov/JACGrants.
