Institute to Innovate Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Grant Program

The Institute to Innovate Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Grant Program is administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, a state agency responsible for improving the administration of criminal justice through research, policy development, and grantmaking. This program reflects the agency’s strategic investment in strengthening community-based organizations that play a central role in violence prevention and public safety across Illinois. The initiative is grounded in the Statewide Violence Prevention Plan for Illinois, which emphasizes a public health approach, equity, collaboration, and sustainable community impact. The purpose of the program is to provide financial resources and structured support to organizations that are positioned to prevent violence and improve safety outcomes. The program recognizes that effective violence prevention requires both strong direct services and well-developed organizational infrastructure. As such, applicants must choose one of three project pathways: capacity building activities, violence prevention activities, or a combined approach that integrates both. Capacity building projects focus on strengthening internal systems such as leadership, governance, financial management, and data practices, while violence prevention projects emphasize direct services such as outreach, mentoring, reentry support, and victim services. Combined projects must demonstrate how improvements in organizational capacity will enhance service delivery outcomes. Funding is supported by State of Illinois appropriations, with up to three million dollars available in total program funding. Individual awards may be requested up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity. Allowable costs include personnel, training, organizational assessments, technology systems, outreach activities, and program delivery expenses, while prohibited uses include construction, land acquisition, lobbying, fundraising, and most capital expenditures. The anticipated initial performance period runs from January 4, 2027 through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of continuation funding for up to thirty six months contingent on performance, compliance, and availability of funds. Eligibility is limited to organizations that are legally organized in Illinois or authorized to conduct business within the state. Eligible entity types include nonprofit organizations, for profit businesses, and other legally recognized entities. Applicants must meet several program specific requirements, including having an annual operating budget of two million dollars or less, completing a structured capacity building or technical assistance program, and undergoing a comprehensive organizational assessment conducted by a qualified third party within the past twelve months. Additionally, applicants must not have received a direct ICJIA grant within the twenty four months preceding the application deadline and must maintain compliance with state grant registration requirements, including GATA and SAM registration. The application process requires submission through the Euna grant management system. Applicants must complete a Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, provide program narrative responses, submit a detailed budget and budget narrative, and upload required documentation such as proof of capacity building program completion and organizational assessment results. The program narrative must address key sections including statement of need, project design, implementation plan, organizational capacity, sustainability strategy, and performance measurement. Applications are evaluated through a merit based review process with a maximum score of one hundred points, assessing completeness, clarity, feasibility, and alignment with program goals. The application timeline begins with the posting of the funding opportunity on August 3, 2026. Questions must be submitted by September 10, 2026, and final applications are due by September 17, 2026 at five pm Central Time. Applications that meet administrative requirements will proceed to merit review, with funding recommendations considered by the ICJIA Budget Committee in early October. Applicants are expected to receive notification shortly thereafter, with grant agreements finalized prior to the start of the performance period in January 2027. Funded organizations are required to participate in ongoing coaching, technical assistance, and peer learning activities as part of the program model. Reporting obligations include monthly financial reports, quarterly performance reports, and final reports within thirty days of the grant period conclusion. The program is designed not only to fund immediate activities but also to build long term organizational capacity, ensuring that funded organizations can sustain and expand their impact in violence prevention and community safety over time.

Ensure clear alignment with Statewide Violence Prevention Plan goals; provide measurable outcomes and realistic timelines; submit complete documentation and verify eligibility compliance; demonstrate organizational readiness and capacity