County and nonprofit organization officials on Tuesday, July 22, announced grant awards under two complementary initiatives designed to improve community safety in Cook County.
Through the Cook County Community Violence Intervention initiative, the county is investing $20 million in community-based services for residents at risk of being involved in gun violence. The Cook County Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence initiative is beginning with an initial $5 million investment in community-based services that support survivors of gun violence and their families.
“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,” Cook County Board President Preckwinkle said. “By supporting our most vulnerable residents, we build safer communities for all.”
Cook County is experiencing a notable decline in shootings and homicides. Data from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office shows that since Jan. 1, gun homicides in Cook County are down by over 35% from 2024. Gun homicides are down by more than 45% from 2021 when Cook County experienced the peak in the recent gun violence crisis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cook County responded to the surge in gun violence with a historic $110 million investment in violence prevention services funded via the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The two county initiatives are designed to sustain key services beyond ARPA to so that residents who are at risk or directly impacted by gun violence can continue to access critical programs and services.
“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 were developed to align with funding opportunities under the Government Alliance for Safe Communities.
To learn more about the initiatives, and other community safety investments, visit CookCountyIL.gov/JACGrants.
