Grand Rapids Reporter

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Are you committed to helping to reduce gun violence in our community and have an idea to make that happen? If so, the Safe Alliances for Everyone (SAFE) Task Force can help make that idea a reality. SAFE offers financial support to organizations and individuals who have proposals to reduce gun violence in Grand Rapids. SAFE wants to hear your idea at its next Pitch and Highlight Night Wednesday, Oct. 18. The event takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Genesis Suites located at 1333 Alger St SE.

"The upcoming Pitch and Highlight Night is not just an event; it's a call to action,” said Staff Liaison Asante Cain. “We recognize that some of the most effective strategies to combat violence in Grand Rapids come from our own residents. The SAFE Task Force is ready to fund and support these initiatives. This is an opportunity to transform your ideas into real-world solutions that create safer, more prosperous neighborhoods." 

Nonprofits and individuals will compete for a partnership with the SAFE Task Force and $10,000 to support their efforts to reduce violence in the community. Five winners will be selected to partner with the City and perform their proposals. Participants will get five minutes to present their idea and show how it will be effective in reducing violence in Grand Rapids. 

1. Proposals must seek to reduce violence and/or gun violence in Grand Rapids 
2. Focus on young people involved in violence 12-24 years of age 
3. Programs/interventions must take place between months of April and September 2024 
4. Demonstrate how they align with the recommendations of the SAFE Task Force, the Police Department’s Strategic Plan, and/or the City’s Strategic Plan.

Nonprofits and individuals may submit proposals to the SAFE Task Force through October 4 at https://bit.ly/PITCHNIGHT-Apply.

The SAFE Task Force will fund up to five organizations for a total of $50,000. Winners will be announced at the end of the Pitch and Highlight Night event.  

More information can be found at the SAFE Task Force's website: grandrapidsmi.gov/SAFE.

Original source can be found here.