President Preckwinkle Announces $25 Million in Grant Awards for Community-Based Programming to Address Gun Violence

Funding will support Community Violence Intervention and Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence

(Cook County, IL) Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the Cook County Justice Advisory Council and non-profit leaders came together to announce grant awards under two complementary grant initiatives designed to improve community safety in Cook County. 

Through the Cook County Community Violence Intervention (CC-CVI) 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 (CC-SGV) initiative is beginning with an initial $5 million investment in community-based services that support 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.”

Cook County is experiencing a notable decline in shooting and homicides. Data from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office shows that since January 1, 2025, 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 (ARPA). The CC-CVI and CC-SGV 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 CC-CVI and CC-SGV initiatives were developed to align with funding opportunities under the Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC). Comprised of leadership from funding agencies at the State of Illinois, Cook County and the City of Chicago, the GASC was formed in 2021 to strengthen the community safety ecosystem in the greater Chicago region. The GASC has partnered with the philanthropic, non-profit and business communities to sustain and scale community violence intervention (CVI) programming in the region. The $20 million CC-CVI initiative is part of Cook County’s commitment to fund community violence intervention services as a member of the GASC.

“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. “This level of intentional coordination is serving as a model for meeting some of our biggest challenges. We are proud to be making progress towards safer communities while streamlining funding opportunities for local community organizations working on the ground.”

In total, 18 organizations will receive funding through the CC-CVI initiative to provide services including street outreach, case management and victim services for residents most at risk of being involved in instances of gun violence. 

"This investment represents a powerful commitment to peace and healing," said Yolanda Fields, Executive Director of Breakthrough. "With Cook County’s support, we can expand our outreach— connecting with neighbors, providing trauma-informed care, and walking alongside those most affected by violence. Together, we are transforming lives and building peaceful communities."

The CC-SGV initiative is launching with grant awards to 10 organizations that provide services such as crisis intervention, behavioral health services and emergency financial assistance for survivors of gun violence, and their families.

“We’re grateful for this opportunity to expand services that address the traumatic impact of gun violence on children, youth, and families — particularly in Chicago neighborhoods with too few trauma-informed mental health providers,” said Austa Murray, LCSW, Executive Director of Behavioral Health & Community Programs at La Rabida Children’s Hospital. “Through the CC-SGV initiative, our Chicago Child Trauma Center team can increase awareness and provide meaningful support to help survivors navigate the complex path to recovery with dignity, compassion, and care.”

To learn more about the CC-CVI and CC-SGV initiatives, and other community safety investments, visit CookCountyIL.gov/JACGrants.