City Of Cambridge - Police Department

Cambridge Police Department Community Grants

The Cambridge Police Department announces the availability of funding to enhance partnership building and problem solving as we continue to implement community-policing strategies in the neighborhoods of Cambridge. The Community Grants are designed to establish linkages between the officers working in the various neighborhoods throughout the city and the residents in those neighborhoods. The officers and residents can then become resources for each other to collaboratively address crime and safety issues. In this way officers and citizens will truly become Partners in Problem Solving.

We encourage neighborhood residents to develop innovative activities and projects that are based on these goals. All ideas will be considered. The primary criteria for funding is strong participation of neighborhood officers and a process for on-going involvement of the officers with the community. Applicants may apply for a maximum amount of $500 per project or event.

The following are examples of possible projects:

SAFER STREETS

Education and collaborative problem solving are key components of our community policing strategy. These grants could be used for targeted crime prevention; safety training for women, elders, or youth; block parties or other community building activities; or projects addressing crime, safety, or quality of life issues. These projects or events should provide a vehicle for on-going involvement of the officers with the community and encourage linkages with other groups and agencies in the community.

Youth Outreach

Establishing linkages with the community, its youth, and police is a high priority for the Cambridge Police Department. These grants are intended to be used for violence prevention workshops, safety education issues, bike safety training, youth forums, or other activities that foster strong collaborations.

Elder Outreach

Events or projects that address the concerns of seniors and their perception of crime and neighborhood disorder will also be funded through these grants. Projects that foster inter-generational linkages will be given high priority. Activities designed to address and alleviate the incidence of crime or the fear of crime, such as scam prevention, personal safety training, and home safety awareness, are examples. Efforts to establish partnerships between various groups and agencies are also encouraged

These projects will focus attention on the impact of neglect and decay in neighborhoods (the Broken Windows syndrome). These grants could be used to support beautification and clean-up efforts such as removing graffiti, trash, and litter; planting flowers; improving parks and roadways; and other projects which reduce the opportunities for crime or the fear of crime or address quality of life issues.

To receive an application form, please email, or call Neighborhood Coordinator Holly Bernier, hbernier@cambridgepolice.org or call at 617-349-6009.

· Applicants must be Cambridge residents or Cambridge-based not-for-profit organizations.

· The application form must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the project or event.

· Upon completion of the project or event, funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis approximately 6-8 weeks after the required forms, accompanied with receipts, are received by this office. Note: Forms with accompanying receipts must be received within 60 days of the event.

· Reimbursement Guidelines: Original receipts ONLY. Photocopies cannot be submitted. Any handwritten or computer generated receipts must be accompanied with proof of payment, copy of canceled check or credit card statement. Note: Do not pay cash to any vendor (entertainment, musician, clowns, etc.) that cannot provide official receipts.

*Reimbursement without appropriate back up documentation will not be considered for payment.

· Funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis approximately three weeks after the event is completed and the reimbursement forms have been returned.

· Funds may not be used to pay salaries or to buy fixtures or equipment. Funds may not be used for food or beverage purchase.

· If approved, the following sentence must be included in all publicity, press releases, programs, flyers, and posters:

Funds provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety as administered by the Cambridge Police Department.