At MACo’s Summer Conference, an expert panel from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) provided an overview of grants for public safety initiatives to benefit counties. These grants are an integral part of supplementing tight local budgets.
The speaker panel included:
- Bethany Young, Director of Policy and Legislation
- Rich Alban, Assistant Director, Public Safety Strategies
- Brandi Cahn, Assistant Director, Justice Reinvestment
- Quentin Jones, Director, Criminal Justice Grants Programs
- James Rhoden, Assistant Director, Center of Excellence
Director of Policy and Legislation Bethany Young led the informative Q&A at the Unlocking the Power of Partnerships to Promote a Safer Maryland MACo Summer Conference session.
The panel discussed a variety of grants for which jurisdictions are eligible to and encouraged to apply.
Director, Criminal Justice Grants Programs Quentin Jones provided an overview of the GOCCP grant cycle and the recently updated Grants Management System (GMS) Application Instructions. Applicants should review the program specific Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Checklist to assure that all necessary forms and documentation are submitted. Missing forms will negatively impact the technical score of the application.
Assistant Director, Public Safety Strategies Rich Alban discussed the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (BJAG) and the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (B-SCIP) grants. The BJAG grant application period is open until August 30, 2024 and the new B-SCIP grant application period is open until August 27, 2024.
Assistant Director, Center of Excellence James Rhoden discussed the Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (VIPP) that supports effective violence reduction strategies, specifically gun violence through evidence based health programs.
Assistant Director, Justice Reinvestment Brandi Cahn provided an overview of the Performance Incentive Grant Fund (PIGF), a data-driven approach to improving public safety, reducing corrections spending, and reinvesting savings in evidence-based strategies to reduce crime and recidivism. Priorities include re-entry, mental and behavioral health, alternatives to incarceration, and pre-trial services.
The view the full list of available grants visit the GOCCP Grant Programs website.
Session Title: Unlocking the Power of Partnerships to Promote a Safer Maryland
Description: Every year, the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) obligates $300 million in grant funding to promote public safety initiatives around the state. Funds go to entities in both the public and private sectors, with the ultimate goals of advancing public policy, enhancing public safety, reducing crime and juvenile delinquency, and serving victims. In this session, GOCPP will share important policy, technical assistance, and grant funding updates that may impact state and local government agencies and community-based organizations. Speakers will provide an overview of policy areas, available grants, and best practices for grant applicants.
Moderator: The Honorable Craig Mathies, Commissioner, Somerset County
The session was on August 16 at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
