Community Safety Justice Grants of $3.7 Million Available

THUNDER BAY – “Our government is focused each and every day on building even safer, stronger communities in every corner of Ontario — and these grants are a key part of that,” states Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. “This year, the theme of the grants emphasizes collaboration among community organizations and law enforcement partners to address local community safety and corrections priorities, which creates safer communities for all. Crime prevention, community well-being and corrections are all interconnected. That is why it is so important to foster collaborative, evidence-based responses to these complex challenges. It is amazing to see what can be accomplished when police and the community work side-by-side to prevent crime, promote rehabilitation and build safer communities.”

Ontario is now accepting applications for the Safer and Vital Communities Grant and the Proceeds of Crime – Front Line Policing Grant to help fund community-led safety and corrections projects in Ontario.

This year the province will invest up to $3.7 million under these two grant programs – which represent a key part of our government’s transformation of community safety and correctional services, to support community partnerships, crime prevention programs and alternatives to incarceration.

The theme for this year’s grants is “Creating a Safer Ontario through Community Collaboration” — which builds on the province’s focus on creating safer communities through evidence-based programs and enhancing partnerships between police, communities, corrections, mental health agencies and other organizations.

The province is seeking applications for collaborative and innovative projects that address local community safety priorities as well as projects that increase diversion opportunities, reduce the likelihood of re-offending, and facilitate better reintegration outcomes.

Projects that have previously been funded by these grant programs include internet safety initiatives for youth, seniors programs to combat elder abuse, and counselling and other supports to immigrant and refugee youth.

Supporting safe, healthy communities is part of the government’s plan to create a fair and inclusive society.