Governor Polis and Division of Criminal Justice Announce Nearly $2 Million in Crisis Intervention Grants to Strengthen Public Safety Across Colorado

LAKEWOOD - The Colorado Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Grant. This funding opportunity is designed to support innovative, community-driven strategies that address crisis intervention and improve public safety in Colorado communities.

“We are taking bold action as a state to make our communities safer. I encourage communities and local organizations to apply for this critical funding to prevent and reduce crime, supporting our local law enforcement,” said Governor Jared Polis.

The SCIP Grant Program, authorized by the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, focuses on gun violence and the programs and initiatives that target the risk factors that are likely to lead to this kind of violence. Colorado’s SCIP Grant Program focuses specifically on crisis intervention and prevention, empowering local organizations to create lasting impacts.

“This grant program is an investment in Colorado’s communities and their ability to address public safety challenges through collaboration and innovation,” said Matthew M. Lunn, Director of the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice. “We look forward to supporting initiatives that create safer environments and enhance the well-being of all who call Colorado home.”

Eligible applicants include local government agencies, including federally recognized Tribes. Funding can be used for a range of projects, including but not limited to:

• Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Programs
• Related Court-based Programming
• Referrals to Community-based Services for People in Crisis
• Funding for Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Programs or Initiatives

Applications will be accepted through March 10, 2025, and interested organizations can access the application and guidelines on the DCJ website at the SCIP Grant Program Page.

The first webinar on how to complete a SCIP or a Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) application in Fluxx is scheduled for Thursday, January 9th from 1:00 - 2:25 PM. Participants must register for the virtual training to receive the passcode for the event via Zoom. For those unable to participate on January 9th, a recording and transcript will be available on DCJ’s website. A second opportunity to participate in a live training will be announced in February.

Projects funded through the SCIP Grant will be evaluated based on their ability to meet the unique needs of Colorado communities, with a focus on innovative approaches and measurable outcomes. DCJ encourages applications from organizations serving communities disproportionately impacted by violence and those addressing barriers to accessing crisis intervention resources.

Key Dates and Information:

• Funds Available: $1,494,249
• Application Period Opens: January 6, 2025
• Deadline to Apply: March 10, 2025
• Eligibility: Local government agencies, including federally recognized Tribes, are encouraged to apply.
• Application Details: For comprehensive information on eligibility criteria, application materials, and submission guidelines, please visit the SCIP Grant Program Page.

For additional information, including eligibility requirements and application resources, please visit the DCJ website or contact Robyn May, Grant Program Manager, at 303-842-3344 or [email protected].

The 2025 Byrne SCIP Grant reflects the Division of Criminal Justice’s commitment to fostering safer, stronger communities through strategic investments in public safety and crisis intervention programs.

For a list of requirements and further details, visit the Division of Criminal Justice's website for more details.