SHORT-TERM COVID RELIEF GRANTS TO HELP UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

Grants Designed for Youth/Young Adult Violence Intervention, Crime Victim Services and Community COVID Response 

ST. PAUL — Communities affected by COVID-19, especially communities of color, are eligible for new grant funding. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs (DPS-OJP) is offering $8 million in new grants to address financial needs and other risks created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not-for-profit agencies, local units of government, regional governance bodies, and tribal governments are eligible to apply at ojp.dps.mn.gov.

A University of Minnesota study shows the COVID-19 hospitalization rate for Black Americans in Minnesota exceeds their percentage of the general population.

“The effects of COVID 19 are especially hard on underserved communities in greater Minnesota and those in the urban core. We are seeing an increased need for community services, programs and opportunities during the pandemic,” said DPS Assistant Commissioner Booker Hodges. “Our goal is to address these issues to help communities meet the increased needs and offer some hope to those in need during this unprecedented time.”

“COVID-19 has created great uncertainty, whether by increases in unemployment or underemployment, or disruption in supports for young Minnesotans, such as school, sports, or after school programs,” said DPS-OJP Director Kate Weeks.

Grant Priorities The grants support youth and young adult services including:

• Youth employment.
• Out-of-school activities.
• Youth-focused violence intervention or prevention.
• Mental health services.
• Community healing activities.
• Crime victim services related to community COVID-19 responses

Agencies serving the largest percentages of disproportionately impacted communities are a priority for funding. This includes communities already facing racial, health and economic challenges. Agencies receiving the grants must spend any funds by the end of the year. 

Grant application details

• Funds are available for expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency from September 1 through December 30, 2020.
• Not-for-profit agencies, local units of government, regional governance bodies, and tribal governments are eligible to apply.
• More information about the grants and request for proposals details are available at dps.mn.gov

About the Minnesota Department Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 10 divisions where 2,200 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About the Office of Justice Programs

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs (OJP) provides leadership and resources to reduce crime, improve the functioning of the criminal justice system and assist crime victims. To accomplish this, OJP administers grants; provides training and technical assistance; provides research and data; works to protect crime victims’ rights; and provides reparations benefits to victims of violent crime.

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