Zoe Magid Senior Advisor to the Attorney General | New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety
Zoe Magid Senior Advisor to the Attorney General | New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety
Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin have announced that $14.5 million will be available through a competitive grant process to support Community-Based Violence Intervention (CBVI) Programs across New Jersey. This funding cycle will commence in 2025.
Since 2021, the Murphy Administration has invested nearly $55 million in CBVI programming. The funds for this initiative come from the federal American Rescue Plan and the State’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, primarily sourced from the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund. The total commitment to community violence intervention now exceeds $115 million.
New Jersey’s CBVI programs use a public health approach to interrupt cycles of violence. These initiatives include street outreach led by credible messengers, mentorship, high-risk intervention services such as de-escalation, safe passage for school-age youth in high-crime areas, and case management and trauma support services for individuals at high risk of violence or victimization.
In the first quarter of 2024 alone, CBVI entities funded by the Department of Law and Public Safety engaged nearly 1,000 individuals in one-on-one programming like counseling and mentoring. Over this period, they also organized nearly 40 violence prevention events serving hundreds of individuals.
Attorney General Platkin created the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) in 2022 to formalize violence intervention work within the Department. The CBVI program is administered by VIVA’s Office of Violence Intervention and Prevention (OVIP).
“There is no place for violence in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “I’m pleased to see the continuation of these important programs.”
“Our violence intervention programming is a key part of our approach to reducing violent crime,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The funding announced today means that we can deepen our investment in grassroots organizations.”
“Our commitment to our grantees extends far beyond financial resources,” said Patricia Teffenhart, Executive Director of VIVA.
“Our CBVI partners play a critical role in supporting our public safety infrastructure,” added Steven Campos, Director of OVIP.
The 2025 program emphasizes tertiary services known for providing immediate benefits in reducing violence. Tertiary service organizations may receive up to $750,000 while primary or secondary service organizations may apply for up to $500,000.
Applications are now being accepted from community service providers for CBVI work until October 21, 2024. An optional application webinar will be held on October 2, 2024.
CBVI funding reflects a key component of the Murphy Administration’s efforts against violent crime under Attorney General Platkin's leadership.
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