Violence Prevention Reduction Program – Request For Proposal

The Mission of The Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council is to decrease juvenile delinquency in South Suburban Cook County through establishing partnerships, strengthening resources, and implementing diversion opportunities.  To achieve established goals, the Council partners with school districts, law enforcement agencies, court systems, municipalities, faith-based and non-profit agencies to engage youth and families within the townships of Bloom, Rich, Thornton, and Bremen. The Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council is committed to building a bridge between home, school, and the community, to provide access to thriving wrap around services, training and activities for the townships that we serve.

Program: The Violence Prevention & Reduction Program

Purpose: Funds will be provided to establish or enhance a program that reduces juvenile delinquency, chronic absenteeism, truancy, school infractions, and programs to prevent the school-to-prison pipeline.

Program Type: Competitive

Funding: Allocations and payment under this grant are subject to appropriation action by the Illinois General Assembly. 

Funding Opportunity Number: SJJC 2026-2027-VPRP

Eligible Applicants: South Suburban school districts, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, and businesses located in Bloom, Rich, Thornton, and Bremen Townships of South Suburban Cook County, Illinois. Applicants must provide evidence of existing competencies to provide violence prevention and reduction programming to include the applicant’s mission statement, goals, and policies, regarding juvenile justice activities. 

Grant Award: SJJC anticipates grant awards that range from $15,000 to $200,000 depending on the types of services provided. This includes the cost of program operations from September 1, 2026, until June 30, 2027. Grant awards will vary depending on the needs addressed in the approved proposal and the total appropriations for the program.

Grant Period: The grant period begins September 1, 2026, and goes on through June 30, 2027.

Application Deadline: Proposals must be submitted no later than 5:00pm on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Program Evaluation: All grantees will be provided with a program evaluator to assist in assessing the implementation or enhancement of the program.

Technical Assistance: A webinar will be conducted on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 11am to provide additional information and to answer questions from applicants.