Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has extended an invitation for organizations to apply for part of $56.5 million in state grant funds.
The funds fall under PCCD’s VIP grant program, the CCVI program, and the new BOOST program, which aims to reduce violence by supporting quality after school activities.
According to PCCD, public safety investments such as the VIP program have significantly reduced violence in the Commonwealth. They report that in 2023, homicides decreased by 16% across Pennsylvania compared to 13% nationally, and 29 out of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties saw declines in homicides. Philadelphia has specifically seen a significant reduction in gun violence so far in 2024 compared to other major cities.
Despite the progress made, PCCD reports that more than 1,600 people die as a result of gun-related injuries in Pennsylvania each year and the Commonwealth’s firearm fatality rate is significantly higher than surrounding states.
Building Opportunity through Out of School Time (BOOST)