Cleveland community groups and organizations with plans to prevent violence, mediate conflict or help repair harm caused from violence in the city can now apply for grants from the Community Police Commission. The commission expects to award about $1 million.
The independent commission, made up of 13 members, reviews police discipline, policies and training. The city’s charter also sets aside money from the police department budget for community grants. In general, groups can apply for up to $50,000. Applications are due Nov. 18.
In 2023, the commission awarded $1.08 million to 26 community groups. But not all of the groups received their money. Commissioner Piet van Lier said in a meeting last month that only 10 recipients were successful in getting their grant money. Commission members said many had struggled with the city’s contract process. Commission members said they didn’t have the time, capacity or expertise to run the grant process on their own while also tending to other duties.
Last month, the commission hired the United Black Fund, a nonprofit with more than 40 years of experience, to help select grantees and support and train grassroots and community organizations with planning their projects. Cleveland City Council approved the $110,000 contract, which can be extended for a year.
Groups can apply for the grant by creating an account on the United Black Fund website. Questions? Email [email protected] or call the United Black Fund at 216-566-9263.
Here’s how the Cleveland Community Police Commission defines the areas for its grants
Restorative justice
An approach that seeks healing by bringing together the community member who has been harmed and the person responsible for the harm. The goal is to give the person who committed the offense an opportunity to take responsibility for their action and to discourage them from causing further harm. For the community member who has been harmed, the goal is to give them an active role in the process and to reduce feelings of anxiety and powerlessness.
Violence prevention
An approach that uses evidence-informed strategies to reduce violence through community-centered initiatives that address trauma, provide opportunity, and improve the physical, social, and economic conditions that drive violence.
Mediation
A constructive, participant-led process for resolving conflicts between individuals, groups and organizations that offer participants an opportunity to discuss their own and their community’s unique concerns and needs. Mediators provide a safe and supportive environment for participants to hold difficult conversations and ensure participants retain decision-making authority over the conflict resolution process and outcome.
