Government Alliance for Safe Communities
Unprecedented governmental collaboration between the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago to support communities in building and promoting safety.
The Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC) connects communities, government and private sector partners to strengthen the community safety ecosystem in the greater Chicago region. We are working towards a more equitable and comprehensive approach to community safety that centers, supports, and expands community-based approaches.
About GASC
Since 2021, the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago have collaborated to streamline grant funding, unify data collection practices, and increase capacity building support available to local organizations engaged in violence prevention work.
GASC Grants Guide
Local organizations can use the GASC Grants Guide to learn about GASC member agencies and connect to funding opportunities offered by the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago.
Approaches to Community Safety
The GASC supports community-based approaches to building safe communities. We are working with partners to sustain and scale investments to meet the ongoing need in communities and connect those at-risk to resources.
Investments and Impact
The Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research and Science (CORNERS) at Northwestern University serves as GASC’s independent research partner to evaluate the coalition’s processes and measure the impact of community safety investments across government agencies.
Capacity Building Resource Library
The GASC Capacity Building Resource Library is designed to support community-based organizations looking to apply for regional funding opportunities. From getting ready to apply for funding, through successful data collection and reporting, we have resources to help guide you through the grant process.
Grant Readiness
- Grant Writing -
- Designing Programs -
- Application Requirements and Portals -
Grant Administration
- Compliance -
- Budget -
- Reporting -
- Sub-contractors -
Program Implementation & Performance
- Program Metrics -
- Outcomes -
- Goals & Targets -
- Data Collection & Evaluation -
Impact Stories
BUILD
With a mission to inspire hope and offer opportunities so youth facing systemic obstacles can achieve positive futures, BUILD has been a second family for marginalized youth on Chicago's westside for over 50 years.
Firehouse Community Arts Center
The Cook County supported VIP program works with at-risk young men, providing mentorship, therapeutic services, workforce development opportunities and access to the arts.
Institute 2 Innovate (i2i)
Institute 2 Innovate (i2i), launched by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, strengthens community organizations across Illinois by enhancing infrastructure, sustainability, and capacity.
Our Progress
Annual funding for CVI strategies has increased by $191 million since 2017, with government funding from the State, County, and City now leading the way in investments.
