We champion high-impact partnerships and programs to elevate and enact the most effective strategies against gun violence.
SPARK GRANTS
SPARK GRANTS
10 grants of $10K are awarded annually to high-impact organizations that are helping build an ecosystem of gun violence prevention and reduction in Atlanta.
We’re dedicated to seeing our grantees succeed, which is why we partner with grantees to elevate their voices and maximize their reach, influence, and impact.
These micro-grants will support evidence-based initiatives addressing community gun violence.
See our 2024 SPARK Grants winners below:
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Must be a registered nonprofit (501(c)3 or be fiscally sponsored by one.
Must be submitting for an existing or pilot initiative impacting the Atlanta metropolitan region.
Must complete the grant application in full by the deadline.
Preferred Qualifications
Evidence-based initiative.
Headquartered / based in Atlanta. -
After April 21st, we will evaluate all submissions and select 9 organizations to receive the “Spark Grants”.
In addition, the 10th winner of this round will be selected by the public. On May 13th, we will release a short list of applications for the public to vote online via our site.
Each winning organization will receive an award of $10,000 and embark on a partnership with The Rocket Foundation.
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What if I’m not based in Atlanta, can I still apply?
Yes, you don’t need to based/headquartered in Atlanta, as long as your program is being implemented in the Atlanta Metro Area. Applicants based in other cities must clearly demonstrate relationships with Atlanta-based stakeholders that will enable them to effectively implement the proposed project.
What can you expect after applying?
All applications will be thoroughly reviewed by our team, and 9 out of the 10 grantees will be selected. At the same time, a shortlist of organizations will be displayed on our site after May 13th for a public voting. Though we would love to give all applicants feedback, only a shortlist of applicants will receive a response from the team.
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CEO Works
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides immediate, effective employment services for individuals returning from incarceration, helping them achieve economic stability and reduce recidivism. Operating in 30 cities across 12 states, CEO is committed to creating pathways to economic mobility for justice-impacted individuals.
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Community Justice
Community Justice has a threefold strategy to address the issue of gun violence by building a comprehensive policy agenda, a network of leaders that are directly impacted by the issue of gun violence, and training opportunities for everyday people who want to take action on gun violence prevention.
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Girassol Wellness
Girassol Wellness, Inc. aims to empower individuals, families, and communities through holistic and evidence-based interventions. Special initiatives include the Brave Space Podcast, a healing platform for gun violence prevention professionals and survivors, and various community-focused projects designed to promote mental wellness and resilience.
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HOPE Hustlers
H.O.P.E. HUSTLERS champions an evidence-based public health approach to violence prevention, building villages of peace in Atlanta to reduce violence and transform lives and communities.
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Life Anew Restorative Justice
Life Anew Restorative Justice is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering inclusive, empathetic communities through restorative practices. They provide consulting, training, and curriculum development for schools, law enforcement, and organizations to promote conflict resolution and disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline.
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LIVE FREE
Live Free USA is a national organization committed to ending gun violence, mass incarceration, and the criminalization of communities of color. Since 2011, they have built a network of faith leaders, directly impacted individuals, and partners to promote peace and healing. Their approach includes education through Peacemaker Bootcamps, advocacy for effective public safety policies, and investments in community-based organizations.
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Mothers Against Gun Violence
The mission is to educate communities nationwide about the harmful effects of gun violence. The goal is to support anti-gun violence policies through community organizing. Key objectives include forming partnerships with organizations, supporting affected families with resources and education, creating innovative alternatives to violence, and offering trigger locks and de-escalation training to the community.
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Offenders Alumni Association
The Offender Alumni Association (OAA) is a nonprofit organization that creates a network of justice-impacted individuals who support each other in reducing crime, fostering healthy community relationships, and promoting economic, social, and civic empowerment. Founded in 2014 by Deborah Daniels and Drayton Nabers Jr., OAA offers support forums, community engagement initiatives, and programs aimed at reducing recidivism and restoring communities.
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The Hopeful Change
Hopeful Change is dedicated to fostering healthy growth and development in youth by providing services that empower them with essential skills, knowledge, and motivation for a productive life. They offer programs in education, mentoring, counseling, sports, and community outreach, aiming to build better futures by nurturing individuality and hope.
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Tyme to Thrive Beyond Grief
Tyme to Thrive Beyond Grief supports families affected by gun violence by providing financial and emotional assistance, including trauma-informed care, burial support, and access to mental health resources. Their programs help survivors navigate grief and the legal process, and aims to eliminate barriers to victim support and promote healing.
ROCKET CAMP
ROCKET CAMP
A 10-week summer violence intervention program led by the Offender Alumni Association, geared toward engaging high risk, high need youth ages 13-17, in opportunities for economic, social and civic empowerment.
Rocket Camp includes: an HBCU trip, music studio visit, sport activities, community service, weekly mentorship check-ins, youth career readiness training, 10 week paid stipend based on participation (up to $100/week), weekly youth support forums, weekly family support forums, and more.
This 10-week program is designed to help reduce risk of criminal activity among the 25-30 high-risk, high-need youth that it serves each summer.