Institute to Innovate (i2i) Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Grant Program
🏛 Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Aug 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for community-based organizations in Illinois working to prevent violence and strengthen public safety. Locally rooted grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and emerging organizations can apply. Funding supports capacity building activities, violence prevention programs, or a combination of both. Organizations must be able to participate in technical assistance and coaching throughout the grant period.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is making funding available through the Institute to Innovate (i2i) Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Grant Program to strengthen community-based organizations working to prevent violence and improve public safety throughout Illinois.
Community-based organizations, including locally rooted grassroots organizations, possess trusted relationships, community knowledge, and experience responding to local needs. Many smaller or emerging organizations, however, operate with limited staff, administrative support, financial infrastructure, technology, and access to organizational-development resources. These challenges can affect an organization’s ability to manage public funding, deliver consistent services, demonstrate results, and sustain its work.
Through this opportunity, applicants may propose projects that focus on:
– Capacity Building Activities;
– Violence Prevention Activities; or
– Combined Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Activities.
Organizations selected for funding will also participate in the i2i support model, which includes individualized coaching, technical assistance, professional development, and organizational support. The combination of financial investment and developmental support is intended to strengthen organizational effectiveness, improve violence prevention services, and promote long-term sustainability.
Applicants may request up to $250,000 for approved activities conducted during the Period of Performance. A total of up to $3,000,000 in State of Illinois funding is available through this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Applicants may request up to $250,000 in grant funding. Grant agreements resulting from this opportunity are contingent upon and subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Federal Assistance Listing: 10.136. Administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 546-00-2762).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (ICJIA standard form)
- Project narrative/statement of need
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Organizational documentation (501(c)(3) status, bylaws, evidence of community rootedness)
- Cost-sharing commitment letters
- Evaluation and outcome measurement plan
Program contact
- 👤 Alan Blackmon
- 📧 CJA.i2iNOFO@Illinois.gov
- 📞 312-793-8550
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 10.136 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Community-based organizations, grassroots organizations, and nonprofits in Illinois can apply. Organizations of any size, including smaller emerging organizations, are encouraged to apply.
What activities can be funded?
You can propose capacity building activities, violence prevention activities, or a combination of both. Funding supports strengthening organizational infrastructure and delivering violence prevention services.
What is the award amount?
You can request up to $250,000. The total funding pool is $3,000,000 in state funding available.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, cost sharing is required. You must contribute matching funds or in-kind resources to the project.
What support do grantees receive beyond funding?
Grantees participate in the i2i support model, including individualized coaching, technical assistance, professional development, and organizational support services.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your community relationships and local knowledge. Organizations trusted by the communities they serve are competitive candidates.
- Include a clear capacity building plan. Show how grant funding will address specific staffing, technology, or administrative gaps in your organization.
- Detail your violence prevention strategy and measurable outcomes. Demonstrate how you will track and report results.
- Budget realistically and include cost-sharing resources. Show you have committed local funding or in-kind support for the project.
- Plan for sustainability beyond the grant period. Explain how your organization will maintain improvements and services after funding ends.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating organizational capacity needs or failing to articulate specific gaps. Not budgeting sufficiently for the coaching and technical assistance participation required. Proposing activities without clear connection to violence prevention or community-based public safety outcomes.
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