Expansion of Safe Summer Programming through Hillsborough Youth Violence Prevention Mini Grants
Download the PDF application below, complete it, and submit it by email or deliver it in person or by mail to:
Email:
info@safeandsoundhillsborough.org
Mail or In Person:
Safe & Sound Hillsborough
1907 E. Hillsborough Avenue, Suite 100
Tampa, FL 33610
Any applications that are not received by 4:30 p.m. on July 31, 2026, or that do not have all requested paperwork, will not be accepted. No applications by fax, please.
Apply Online Here
Download Mini Grant Application
About
Through this opportunity, Safe & Sound Hillsborough will provide grant funding and/or project/event sponsorships to non-profit and community-based organizations, including smaller organizations, to provide services focused on building awareness, education and prevention related to reducing youth violence and risky behavior.
Funding available in this round of grants will be awarded between June and August of 2026 with projects needing to be completed by September 30, 2026. Awards may range up to $2,500 and shall specifically support programming, events, activities, trainings, campaigns, resource development and distribution, or other activities related to prevention and reduction of youth gun violence. Funded activities may engage youth, adults or the community at large.
Proposed projects and events must be within Hillsborough County. Projects, events, locations and services outside of Hillsborough County will not be considered. While ALL projects and events within Hillsborough County will be considered, priority will be given to projects and events held within key identified zip codes/areas as defined below:
- 33610, 33605 (East Tampa)
- 33612 (University Area)
- 33604 (Sulphur Springs)
- 33607 (West Tampa)
- 33566, 33563. 33567 (Plant City)
- 33598 (Wimauma)
- 33584 (Seffner)
- 33617 (Temple Terrace)
This is a competitive process. Some applications may not be funded, and some may be only partially funded.
Organizations Sought out to Participate
This project is designed to partner with the following types of organizations
- 501 (c)(3) designated Non-Profits
- Faith Based Organizations
- Civic Organizations
- Mentoring Organizations
- Neighborhood Associations
Deadline for applications
Deadline for Applications
Applications must be received via mail, email, or in person no later than 4:30 p.m. July 31, 2026 No applications will be accepted beyond this deadline.
Please submit all applications to:
- By email: info@safeandsoundhillsborough.org
- In person or by mail:
- Safe & Sound Hillsborough
- 1907 E. Hillsborough Avenue, Suite 100
- Tampa, Florida 33610
Any applications that are not received by 4:30 p.m. on July 31, 2026, or that do not have all requested paperwork, will not be accepted. No applications by fax, please.
Funding disbursement
There are three ways to receive support from this opportunity:
- Direct Funding
- Fiscal Agent Partnership
- Sponsorship
DIRECT FUNDING:
Grants can be made only to tax-exempt organizations with 501(c)(3) status.
If an applicant has a 501(c)(3) determination letter from and is in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), that applicant can receive funding directly from Safe & Sound Hillsborough. A W-9 form will be requested in order to provide funding if Safe & Sound Hillsborough does not already have one from your organization. Each applicant must include a copy of its IRS Designation Letter, verifying the organization’s non-profit status, and a copy of the organization’s most recent annual report/budget.
An applicant cannot discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability when carrying out any aspect of the funded project.
Funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis upon execution of the grant agreement and submission of required documentation. Safe & Sound Hillsborough reserves the right to hold a portion of final grant funding until after submission and approval of an end- project report.
To receive funding directly from Safe & Sound Hillsborough, an applicant must have a checking account prior to receiving the first check.
Other required materials needed:
- Completed and Up to Date W9
- Insurance as required by project or event
- Invoice template
- Budget
- Letter of support from previous (or current) funding entity or program partner
FISCAL AGENT PARTNERSHIP
Organizations without such tax-exempt status may receive support by partnering with a tax-exempt organization willing to serve as the organization’s fiscal sponsor consistent with applicable law. Funds are dispersed to that sponsor, which then provides the funds to the sponsored organization. You may partner with a fiscal sponsor of your choice. You will be responsible for setting this up on your own. Fiscal Agents must meet all requirements stated above in “Direct Funding” section.
Organizations submitting under Fiscal Agent Partnership must outline the relationship
between the organization and the fiscal agent.
SPONSORSHIP
This opportunity provides sponsorship for events or projects that organizations, neighborhood associations, faith-based groups, crime watch groups or any other group that does not meet non-profit guidelines and does not have a partnership with a fiscal agent. Under this category, applicants may still be able to apply for support and must outline needs of the event or project.
If approved, Safe & Sound Hillsborough will, at the discretion of the committee, purchase goods or provide direct payment to vendors and/or suppliers on behalf of the applying group. Any items purchased will be made in accordance with purchasing guidelines of Safe & Sound Hillsborough to include making the most cost-effective with quality purchase possible, receiving comparable quotes from other potential vendors and negotiating as needed to maximize sponsorship of event/project. Items purchased under this category may remain property of Safe & Sound Hillsborough after completion of project, at the discretion of Safe & Sound Hillsborough.
How funds can be used?
Funds must be used to support efforts related to the prevention and reduction of youth gun violence engage youth, parents/custodians/caretakers, educators, service providers, faith leaders, other identified groups and/ or the community-at-large.
Examples of allowable use of funds:
- Printing and Marketing costs of
- Supplies for event/project
- Workshop facilitator costs
- Vendor payments (DJ, stage rental, artist, instructor, )
- Neighborhood beautification/cleanup
- Tutoring and mentorship stipends
Examples of restricted or non-allowable costs:
- Administrative Costs
- Alcohol purchases
- Payments that are not supported by receipts, invoices, and/or appropriate backup documentation are not allowable.
- Sales tax on purchases are a non-allowable expense.
When completing the required Budget Form, applicants should estimate the actual costs of supplies, services, and other costs that are expected to be needed to support the proposed activities.
Mandatory Activities
MANDATORY ACTIVITIES
Each applicant must outline their plan to address the following activities during this opportunity:
- Community Discussions on Gun Violence Prevention (Short Film Series and Talkback) Safe & Sound Hillsborough has produced two short films on gun violence, “Blink: A Gun Violence Prevention Short Film” and “Atone: A Blink Short Film”. The successful respondent will host a viewing of either (or both) films and host a community discussion on gun violence, utilizing the talkback guide provided to th
- Blight Removal/Community Cleanup
Applicants will organize a neighborhood cleanup or beautification project
Approved applicants must submit photos, videos, event calendar, flyer and other relevant documentation to ensure program accountability, monitoring, and compliance with grant requirements.
OTHER SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES TO BE PROVIDED
In addition to the mandatory components, the following activities are suggested:
- Parenting Classes
- Stress Management
- Mental Wellness
- Family Support
- Youth Collaborative Workshops