Youth Violence Prevention Grant

Applications to the Youth Violence Prevention Grant will be accepted from partnerships comprised of an established, community-based non-profit lead organization and a grassroots group/organization. These two parties must demonstrate a balanced division of labour, a strong commitment to collaboration and partnership, a proven track record of two (2) or more years of working with youth most vulnerable to involvement in serious violence and crime (MVP youth, aged 10-29) and solid communication and risk mitigation plans.

To apply, the Established Not-for-Profit Lead and Grassroots Partner must both beet the following Eligibility Criteria:

• Have experience in trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, healing-centred approaches including appropriate supports for justice-involved, gang-involved, and gang-associated youth.
• Have two (2) or more years of proven work within the identified neighbourhood(s) that includes established relationships with community members in youth violence prevention, intervention, or interruption programming.
• Have proven and demonstrated experience in data collection and evaluation with MVP youth, aged 10-29.
• Have access to safe spaces for youth in selected communities.
• Have knowledge of positive youth development principles and practices in the mental health and justice sectors.

The Established Not-for-Profit Lead Must:

• Be an incorporated not-for-profit organization that operates without financial gain for its members or directors.
• Be based in the City of Toronto. This means the organization must be located in Toronto with an address that begins with an M postal code and Grant supported activities must take place in Toronto.
• Be accountable to the community through an elected Board of Directors who are representative of the community served.
• More than 50 percent of Board members reside in the City of Toronto.
• Have audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year.
• Be in good standing with the City of Toronto.
• Comply with the City of Toronto Grants Policy.
• Have proven experience and ability to manage the project (i.e.: administrative oversight, program management and financial processes and procedures.)
• Partners have a clear role in the project and there is a clear structure for the decision-making process.

The Grassroots Partner Must:

• Consist of three (3) or more members/staff who will be compensated for project work.
• Be a separate entity from the established not-for-profit organizational partner.
• Be based in the City of Toronto. This means the organization must be located in Toronto with an address that begins with an M postal code and Grant supported activities must take place in Toronto.

The Youth Violence Prevention Grant will prioritize the leadership and participation of Indigenous, Black, and other equity-deserving organizations and groups. Indigenous applications will be reviewed by an Indigenous Grant Review Panel.

For more information on the City’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, please click here.

Grant-Prioritized Neighbourhoods

The list of prioritized communities that will receive intensive, locally based supports through this Grant were identified through an extensive analysis of data that combines key trends and themes associated with risk factors, the number of critical violent incidents, and social determinants of health that are impacting youth, aged 10-29.

Each zone will receive at least one Grant. Additional Grants will be prioritized for:

• Applicants requesting to work in Scarborough – Zone 5.
• Applicants requesting to work in multiple neighbourhoods within a zone.
• Zones with increased needs for additional resources (data-driven and informed.)

Funding is directed at violence prevention, intervention, and interruption programming. Social development programming will only be considered if in combination with one of these 3 prioritized streams.

Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, it is the responsibility of applicants to stay up to date and adhere to all public health measures, advice and restrictions that may impact the implementation of a project.

• Applicants may apply for up to $200,000 per zone. The total available budget for this Grant is approximately $2.2 million annually.
• If you are applying to more than one zone, please submit a separate application for each.
• Funding is available for up to a maximum of three (3) years.
• Activities funded through this Grant will begin in June 2023.

This Grant application will consist of two stages:

• Stage 1: Completing the Letter of Intent application online.
• Stage 2: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to record a short pitch presentation of your proposed project for a panel of local community youth and City of Toronto staff. Applicants will also be asked to complete a project work plan and budget for year 1 programming.

Grant Timeline

Agencies will be asked for a fulsome year one work plan and budget if you are one of the successful Grant recipients. Please note that year two and year three budgets and work plans will be confirmed during the reporting and monitoring process.

Virtual Grant Information Sessions

Participants will receive an overview of the 2023 Youth Violence Prevention Grant where you will learn more about the Grant priorities and eligibility criteria. There will be a Q&A session after with City of Toronto staff. Attendance is not mandatory.

One-on-One Applicant Discussions with City Staff

Have questions about the Grant? Unsure if your project idea is eligible? Feel free to drop in during our virtual office hours where you can connect with the Grant staff leads. Attendance is not mandatory.

Letter of Intent applications will be reviewed and assessed for shortlisting by City staff from the Community Funding, Community Safety and Wellbeing and Youth Development Units. Youth in the communities identified in this Grant call will be trained to review and recommend proposals that address the needs within their communities as part of the review process.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to record a video pitch about their program for the Grant Review Panel. The panel will consist of youth who reside in the zones applicants have requested to work in, and of City staff. Review panels will recommend successful applicants to the Executive Director of Social Development, Finance and Administration for approval.