Nichols Highlights Opening of Violence Prevention Program Grant Applications

CHICAGO – As part of his efforts to combat crime and provide resources to communities that have been impacted by violence since entering office in April, state Rep. Cyril Nichols, D-Chicago, is encouraging organizations to apply for the Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) Grant Program.                                                                                                

“After decades of neglect, it is past time that we are investing in communities that have been harmed by violent crime and economically ignored,” said Nichols. “There are many organizations that do critical work in providing much-needed services to these communities, and the R3 grant program is a great step toward providing support to these organizations and helping them expand the work that they do.”

The R3 grant program provides funds to nonprofit organizations, local governments, faith-based organizations, businesses and other community or neighborhood associations that provide services in the areas of civil legal aid, economic development, reentry programs, violence prevention and youth development in communities that have been affected by high rates of gun injures, child poverty, unemployment and incarceration. There will be $45 million worth of grants that are available for this round of funding. Applications for funding are currently open and will close on March 1, 2022. For more information or to apply, please visit r3.illinois.gov.                                                                             

“In order to combat rising crime rates, it is critical that we are doing everything in our power to get resources to those on the ground who are dedicated to providing vital services to those who need it most,” said Nichols. “While the R3 program is an important tool in our efforts to reinvest in communities that have been ignored by state government, I am dedicated to continuing my work to ensure that those who need our support are not left empty-handed.”