Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced new funding for Manhattan community-based organizations to work to proactively prevent youth gun violence. For the third consecutive summer, the Office will award $20,000 to community-based organizations to pay young New Yorkers stipends to participate in meaningful programming or enhance and beautify public spaces that are known areas for gun violence. Funding will be awarded to community-based organizations that employ people with lived experience and provide hyperlocal programming in neighborhoods most affected by gun violence, including Washington Heights/Inwood, Harlem/East Harlem, and the Lower East Side, as well as NYCHA developments including Douglas, Amsterdam, and Eisenhower. The solicitation is available here.
“Particularly when it comes to younger New Yorkers, preventing a crime is always better than prosecuting one,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I am proud to say that more than two hundred teens and young adults have earned stipends through our Youth Gun Violence Prevention Initiative over the past two summers, and we look forward to supporting more young New Yorkers this year. I urge community-based organizations throughout Manhattan to apply for funding and to help spread the word!”
“I commend District Attorney Bragg for his commitment working to prevent gun violence in our communities,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “Through their collective efforts, these organizations that will receive funding will make a difference in the lives of all, but especially our young people. This grant funding will support gun prevention programs, summer youth activities, and provide a wealth of education and workforce opportunities for our youth this summer, keeping them safe and our communities strong.”
“The gun violence epidemic is ravaging communities and having a particularly detrimental impact on our young people,” said Congressman Dan Goldman. “Last week, I met with students from across New York to hear about their experiences with gun violence and discussed the importance of community intervention in making them feel safe and empowered. I am extremely proud of District Attorney Bragg’s work to meet this moment head-on and invest in the community-based organizations that are doing the hard work on the ground to keep our young people safe. In Congress, I will never stop fighting for the commonsense gun safety legislation and funding that is needed to complement D.A. Bragg’s work in Manhattan. Together, we can end the scourge of gun violence once and for all.”
“Once again, District Attorney Alvin Bragg proves his commitment to the people of our community,” said New York State Senator Cordell Cleare. “I am so proud that for the third consecutive year, youth from Senate District 30 will have so many healthy alternatives and interventions over the Summer. This is a wonderful program and I hope that it continues to grow, deliver results and empower our youth.”
“I commend District Attorney Alvin Bragg on his efforts to combat gun violence,” said New York State Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs. “For the third consecutive Summer, community organizations will receive much-needed funding to engage, and pay, at-risk youth to participate in meaningful opportunities. These opportunities not only deter youth gun violence but equip our youth with valuable life skills and experiences. Addressing youth gun violence starts with providing them these life-changing opportunities.”
“As the Assembly Member representing the 71st District, I am proud to support initiatives that invest in the safety and well-being of our communities,” said New York State Assembly Member Al Taylor. “The antigun violence grants provided by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office are a critical step towards empowering at-risk youth and steering them away from violence. By funding programs that engage young people in constructive activities, we can build a safer, stronger future for all New Yorkers. I commend District Attorney Alvin Bragg for his commitment to addressing gun violence, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these grants in our neighborhoods.”
“As a community, we must invest in our youth and create opportunities for them to thrive while addressing the root causes of gun violence. Today’s announcement by District Attorney Bragg underscores our commitment to supporting local organizations that engage young New Yorkers in meaningful activities, enhancing both their personal development and the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “By empowering those with lived experiences and focusing on hyperlocal solutions, we can work together to build a safer and more vibrant future for all residents of Manhattan.”
“The horror of gun violence reverberates through communities, creating trauma, hurt, and unease. Too many have been devastated,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “I commend District Attorney Bragg for focusing on gun violence prevention and continuing to provide grants for meaningful outreach and programs.”
“District Attorney Bragg understands that safety and justice require investment in our youth and communities to prevent violence and crime before it happens and break the cycle of trauma,” said Rebecca Fischer, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. “Empowering our young people through leadership and engagement in their own communities is an evidenced-based approach to reducing gun violence. We are grateful to have a District Attorney in Manhattan who is committed to keeping New Yorkers safe through holistic and equitable strategies.”
Up to seven community-based organizations will each receive $20,000 to fund youth gun violence prevention stipends for New Yorkers aged 14 to 26 years old. These organizations will pay stipends to at-risk young New Yorkers who will participate in meaningful, research-driven programming for three months. Programming may include cognitive behavioral therapy, restorative justice, civic engagement, community enhancement projects, job trainings, education, and more. Applicants may also propose to pay young people to complete a space enhancement project that improves the design, functionality, or aesthetics of a public space where violence has recently occurred. For example, proposals could include planting a garden in an empty lot or painting a mural encouraging peace on a corner known for violence. Research shows that physical enhancements to violence “hot spots” can lead to a reduction in gun violence.
Award recipients must demonstrate the ability to work with the D.A.’s Office to identify and successfully engage young people who are at the highest risk of committing or experiencing gun violence. Awards will be made to organizations that have a presence in and deep ties to areas that experience disproportionate rates of gun violence. Award recipients must employ staff with relevant lived experience and provide hyperlocal services to young people currently living in these areas:
- Washington Heights/Inwood
- Harlem/East Harlem
- The Lower East Side
- And in or around NYCHA developments including Douglas, Amsterdam, and Eisenhower.
Up to 7 organizations will receive awards for stipends and programming taking place from July 15, 2024, through October 15, 2024. Award recipients must commit to providing participants warm hand-off referrals to programs that offer wraparound supports at the end of the three-month programming.
The Manhattan D.A.’s Office is providing these awards through its Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (“CJII”), which was created using millions seized in the Office’s investigations against major banks.
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