Eligible Applicants
For the VIP + BOOST combined grant solicitation, the following entities are eligible to apply: community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits; school districts and career and technical centers (CTC); libraries; municipalities, including counties or district attorneys’ offices; and institutions of higher education. For the Statewide BOOST grant solicitation, only statewide youth-serving nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(4) status are eligible to apply.
Eligible Activities
VIP and BOOST funds can be used to support a wide range of eligible activities designed to reduce and respond to community violence, including but not limited to:
- Youth-focused prevention (BOOST & VIP): Programs that support young people before they become involved in violence, such as mentoring and after-school activities.
- Community-wide prevention (VIP): Initiatives that reduce risk across neighborhoods, like firearm safety campaigns, greening projects, and safe routes to school.
- Intervention (VIP): Services that reach individuals—youth and adults—at highest risk of being involved in violence, including street outreach and hospital-based programs.
- Reentry/aftercare support (VIP): Programs that help people successfully return to their families and communities after involvement with the justice system.
- Trauma-informed healing (VIP): Support for individuals affected by gun violence, including counseling and mental health services.
- Local coordination and innovation (VIP): Efforts to strengthen community planning and collaboration, such as forming Violence Reduction Councils or piloting new anti-violence strategies.
Important Dates
Eligible entities have until January 26, 2026 to apply.
Questions
Interested applicants are invited to RSVP to attend a virtual webinar on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 1 PM to learn more about the solicitation, including funding priorities, requirements, and tips for navigating the application process.
Questions about this funding announcement can be sent to ra-cd-vipgrants@pa.gov with “FY 2025-26 VIP + BOOST FA” in the subject line. Responses to all questions will be posted on PCCD’s Active Funding Announcements webpage
