The City of Philadelphia announced the reopening of applications for its Community Expansion Grant (CEG) program. The CEG program is a capacity expanding grant program that supports organizations in Philadelphia that are tackling the gun violence crisis head on. Applications open April 10 and will remain open for three weeks, until May 1st at 8:00 pm.

What is the Community Expansion Grant program?

The Anti-Violence Community Expansion Grant program is a grant program that launched in 2021 and that directly funded and supported organizations that are focused on reducing violence through trauma-informed healing and restorative practices and safe havens and mentorship. Grant awards were between $100,000 – $1,000,000 and went to 31 organizations.

Grants are provided to organizations that have annual operating budgets below $15 million and a proven track record working in neighborhoods vulnerable to gun violence. By targeting funding towards established community-based organizations, the City is putting this money in the hands of organizations with a proven track record of delivering quality, culturally relevant services while making sure those applying already have the infrastructure in place to be successful. The focus of the Community Expansion Grants is to provide direct trauma-informed healing and restorative practices or safe havens and mentorship programs.

How can I apply?

Current Grantees

  • If your organization is already a participating CEG 1st cohort grantee, you must apply for a renewal grant, even if you have already been awarded a CEG grant in the past.
  • Current grantees may apply for a new grant if they are funding a new program unique from the current program funded by CEG. These grantees may only apply for either a renewal or new grant, but not both.
  • Current grantees must have participated in capacity building and data collection activities as an organization.

New Applicants

  • If your organization is applying for a CEG grant for the first time, you must apply for a new grant.
  • Applicants must reach the target population of Black and brown males from ages 16-34 and conduct programming in zip codes most impacted by gun violence.
  • Organizations that apply should implement trauma-informed and restorative practices, provide safe havens, or mentorship programs.
  • Organizations must have a proven track record of over three years of community anti-violence work, an annual operating budget below $15,000,000, and an understanding of and credible presence within the targeted Philadelphia neighborhoods.
  • Grants range from $100,000 to $1 million.

Potential applicants can use the Submittable link and submit any questions to AntiViolenceGrants@phila.gov.