The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is making $1.8 million in grant funding available across the state to support community violence intervention programs, with Berrien County listed as one of the priority areas for funding.

The state announced this week proposals focused on Benton Harbor and Benton Township will receive priority consideration through the Community Violence Intervention Capacity Building and Implementation Program. The initiative is designed to strengthen efforts to reduce gun violence among populations considered at the highest risk. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, universities, health departments, tribes, and other public or private entities.

The grant program will run from September 1 of this year through September 30 of 2028. The state health department says it’s seeking proposals now. Organizations interested in applying must register and request an application by June 15.

A pre-application conference will be held to provide information about the grant program and instruction on using the state’s EGrAMS system. The pre-application conference is at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 21, and will last approximately 90 minutes. The conference can be accessed here.