The Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCG) has opened the application process for the second round of Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) grants. Thanks to funding from Macon-Bibb County, up to $600,000 will be awarded to organizations to continue or start programs focused on violent crime prevention and aligned with the goals of the community-generated MVP Strategic Plan.   

Organizations must submit an application by 12 PM on Friday, March 31 to be considered. Applications are available online at Macon Violence Prevention Grant Program.  

“Thanks to the leadership of the Community Foundation, more than $800,000 has already been invested in providing much-needed support and services directly to children and families all over the county,” said Mayor Miller. “The work this past year has been inspiring, and I want to thank everyone for stepping forward to address the issues we all face. I’m looking forward to hearing even more success stories this year.” 

“We’re already seeing a positive impact from the work that’s being done by our current grant recipients,” said Kathryn Dennis, President of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. “The feedback we’re getting and stories we are being told by the families themselves – of how much these services are needed and appreciated – show us how much we need to continue this going forward.” 

The Macon Violence Prevention program began in 2021 when Mayor Miller brought community leaders together to address violent crime using evidence-based solutions. Using feedback from 14 community forums and a series of community-wide surveys, these leaders developed the Macon Violence Prevention Strategic Plan. 

“From literacy programs to family counseling to mental health services to activities that teach problem solving skills, I am confident these MVP programs will, over time, help create a stronger, safer community,” said Mayor Miller. 

“Preventing violent crime in our community is a long-term effort, and we fully expect to build on the progress we’ve begun to see,” adds Kathryn Dennis. “This is the work our entire community needs to rally behind, whether it’s applying for a grant, volunteering with one of the organizations, or finding other ways to be involved.” 

In addition to submitting a timely application for programming aligned with the goals of the strategic plan, all applicants must also participate in an orientation session by Zoom on Monday, March 13 from 5 to 6 PM or Tuesday, March 14 from 8:30-9:30 AM. The session will also be available for applicants to watch on the CFCG’s website after Tuesday, March 14. The Community Foundation of Central Georgia will also be holding office hours during this grant cycle to answer questions for potential applicants.   

Organizations who are awarded funding during this cycle will be announced at the end of May.  

About Macon Violence Prevention 

Macon Violence Prevention is an evidence-based, multifaceted program created to address public safety in Macon-Bibb County. Supported and funded by the consolidated government, MVP is a community-wide effort that brings together elected officials, community leaders and representatives from more than 20 agencies, organizations and departments.  

The MVP program operates under the guidance of the MVP Strategic Plan, which was introduced in June of 2021. Created by community stakeholders and violent crime experts, this strategic plan combines data and research with community feedback to implement proven solutions that reduce violent crime and strengthen the community over time.